'<'W)^(!/^^,^(l^fmp< 






^^. 



CHAS. E. JOHNSON, President C. B EDWARDS, Vice-President 

WALTERS DURHAM. Cashier 

CHAS. E. JOHNSON, JR., Asst. Cashier 



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COMPOUNDED QUARTERLY 
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Historical Raleigh 

(enlarged and revised edition) 
WITH 

SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 

(FROM 1771) 

AND ITS IMPORTANT TOWNS 



DESCRIPTIVE, BIOGRAPHICAL, EDUCATIONAL 
INDUSTRIAL, RELIGIOUS 



ILLUSTRATED 



BT 

MOSES N. AMIS 

OF THB RALBKiH BAR 
AcTBOR Amiss North Carolina Criming 

CODR AND DIOKST 



Entered according to act of Congress in the year 1913. by Moses N. Amis, in the 
office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington 



Commercial Printing Company 

pkintp:rs and binders 

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1913 



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B. S. JERMAN, President 

A. A. THOMPSON, Vice-President 



E. B. CROW, Cashier 

A. P. BAUMAN, Assistant Cashier 






i. 



t 

BIO 







-"-ft-jiM;^ 



The Commercial National Bank 

Raleigh, N. C. 

The above is a roproduetion of the haiulsoine new 
ten-story, steel-const rnctod, bank and office buiUling 
now occiip-ed by Thk Commercial National Bank, 
corner llartin and Wihuington streets. 




J^,SO 



©CI.A350808 



CONTENTS 



Page. 

Organization of Wake County 11 

Joel Lane and Bloomsbury 23 

Sittings of the General Assembly During the Revolution 29 

Location of a Permanent Capital 31 

Location of the County Seat 37 

Plan of the City 41 

First State-House, or Capitol 49 

Erection of the Governor's "Palace," or Mansion 53 

Burning of the State-House 55 

Erection of a New Capitol 57 

First City Government . 63 

Death of George Washington 66 

Early Settlers or Inhabitants, Their W^ork and Their Descendants 67 

Early Newspapers and Their Publishers 83 

Oldest Living Inhabitants 86 

Fires. Fire-Engines and Waterworks in Raleigh's Early History. 88 

Raleigh's First Street-Cars 90 

First Steam Railway Entering the Capital 91 

Raleigh's Original Market-House 94 

Old-Time Public (or "Free") Schools 97 

The Nat Turner Insurrection and Its Effect Upon the People of 

Raleigh 98 

Religious 99 

Early Hotels, or Taverns 103 

The Birthplace of a President — Andrew Johnson 104 

Educational 106 

Early Lawyers . . Ill 

Lawyers of Later Periods 112 

General La Fayette's Visit to Raleigh 114 

A Distinguished Visitor — Henry Clay 116 

The Decade From 1850 to 1860 118 

How the Military Boys Were Trapped by a Hotel Man 125 

Conditions in ISOO 125 

The Dawn of a Perilous Period 128 

The Stars and Bars Unfurled 129 

North Carolina Renounces Her Allegiance to the Federal Union. . 131 

Preparations For the "Irrepressible Conflict" 133 

Stirring Events in Raleigh— 1861-1865 136 

Sacking of Newspaper Offices 139 

Surrender of Raleigh to General Sherman 140 

Assassination of President Lincoln 145 

Confederate Veterans — L. O. B. Branch Camp, No. 515, U. C. V.. . 148 

Municipal Affairs After the War 148 

Andrew Johnson's Visit to His Boyhood Home 150 

Historical Scraps 152 

5 



6 contents 

Page. 
The Capital City of Half a Century Ago and the Metropolis 
OF To-Day : 

Raleigh's Enterprising, Public-Spirited Citizens and Successful 

Busines-s Men 154 

The Capital City of To-Day 174 

Historical Sketches : 

Apex, 213; Cardenas, 221; Cary, 224: Fuquay Springs, 287; 
Garner. 231 ; Holly Springs, 243 ; Morrisville, 252 ; Walie 
Forest. 253; Wakefield, 257; Wendell, 258; Zebulon, 266 

Biographical Sketches : 

Alford, George Benton 247 

Ball, Jesse Griffin 178 

Boushall, Joseph Dozier 183 

Broughton, Needhani Bryant ISO 

Broughton, Joseph Thomas 236 

Brown. Joseph Gill 177 

Bunn, Falcouer Elmo 276 

Coltrane, Dr. Jesse Franklin 274 

Cooper, William Alexander 187 

Cox, Charles Frederick 210 

Creech, Ransom Right 284 

Daniel. Elbert Clifton 280 

Dry, Marcus Baxter 225 

GriflSn, Mallie Asa 262 

Harrison, Robert Johnson 228 

Holding, Henry Graham 256 

Horton. Thomas Jackson 270 

Johnson, Kemp Bethea 221 

King, Oral Gentry 204 

Litcbford. Henry Evans 201 

Mial, Millard 207 

Mills. John Allison 190 

Montague, George Boston 240 

Moser, Early Hampton 272 

Nor\Aood. George Thomas 193 

Park, John Alsey 107 

Rand, Ilallie Delmo 233 

Roberts, William Tilden 204 

Rosengarten, Aleck 194 

Sears, Lonnie Jefferson 219 

Simpkins, William Aloii/.o 185 

Thompson, Alfred Augustus 209 

Utley. Williams Francis 216 

Whitley. Joha .Mike 282 

Wiggs, William Larkin 278 

Woodall. Cliarles Leandrew 199 



INTRODUCTION 



Mr. M. l!^. Amis, the author and publisher of Historical 
Raleigh, with Sketches of Wake County and Its Im- 
portant Towns, is rendering to the present and future gen- 
erations a most valuable contribution. To do this he has 
given days, weeks, and months of patient and persistent re- 
search. 

There may be some casual reader who will think it an easv 
task to run down and dig out the information herein con- 
tained, but certainly no person that has ever undertaken the 
task of collecting history will fail to see the time, care, and 
labor Mr, Amis has bestowed upon this work, when the matter 
has been examined. 

We bespeak for the author the gratitude of our people, and 
wish for him the gTeat success in the publication that he so 
richly deserves. 

!N^EEDHAM B. BrOUGHTON. 
. Raleigh, N. C, July 24, 1913. 



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AUTHOR'S PREFACE 

The cordial welcome and good will which Histokical 
Raleigh, published ten years ago, received from a kind and 
indulgent public, is the author's apology for this work. The 
present effort, as the title indicates, is of broader scope than 
its predecessor, the design of the author being to include in 
this work sketches of the principal towns of Wake County 
and brief biographies of some of their prominent citizens. 

Only in rare instances has mention been made in the work 
of any individuals except of those who, in their respective 
spheres of usefulness, have been contributors to the well being, 
either moral, intellectual or industrial, of their communities ; 
but as to these, however modest their station and limited their 
sphere, a proper regard for the true purpose of history has 
prompted favorable mention. 

In the preparation of the work the author's desire has been 
to make it not only interesting to the reader of the present 
generation, but that it should sen^e also as a repository of the 
matter herein found, and thus prove valuable to those who are 
to come after us in future time. 



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10 



ORGANIZATION OF WAKE COUNTY 



"As he is a bad man who is ashamed of an honest parentage be- 
cause it was poor and humble, so he is no better who is ashamed of 
his country because its history records few or none of the bloody 
triumphs of ambition, but tells the simple story of a people's imob- 
trusive progress in civilization and homely comfort. — Dr. Francis L. 
Hawks, North Carolina's famous historian. 

The County of Wake, in which the capital of North Carolina 
is situate, was formed in 1771, from portions of Cumberland, 
Orange and Johnston — chiefly from the latter. The act of the 
Colonial Assembly authorizing the establishment of the new 
county was ratified in 1770, but was not to take effect, however, 
until March 12, 1771. The first term of court began June 4th 
of that year. 

The first sheriff was Michael Rogers, maternal great-grand- 
father of the late Dr. F. J. Haywood. The first sheriff after the 
organization of the City of Raleigh (1792) was Richard Banks. 

The population of the county by the census of 1790 was 
10,192; of 1910, 63,229. 

The following is the text of the act organizing the county : 

"Act for the Erection of Wahe County and St. Margaret's 

Parish. 

"Whereas, the large extent of said counties of Johnston, Cum- 
berland and Orange renders it grievous and burthensome to 
many of the inhabitants thereof to attend the courts, general 
musters, and other public meetings therein : 

"Be it enacted by the Governor, Council and Assembly, and 
by the authority of the same, that from and after the twelfth 
day of March next after the passing of this act, the said counties 
of Johnston, Cumberland and Orange be divided by the follow- 
ing lines — that is to say, beginning at Edgecombe line on Moco- 
sin Swamp, a mile above James Lea's Plantation, running a 
direct line to ISTeuse River, at the upper end of John Bedding- 
field's Plantation ; then to David Mimm's mill and Tanner's old 

11 



12 HISTORICAL RALEIGH 



A. E. GLENN J. R. WILLIAMS 



Glenn & Williams 



RALEIGH, N. C. 



PAINTERS 



AND 



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SKETCHES OF WAKE COrNTY 13 

mill; then the same course continued to the ridge which divides 
Cumherland and Johnston counties ; then a straight line to 
Orange line, at the lower end of Richard Hill's Plantation, on 
Buckhorn ; then the same course continued five miles ; then to 
the corner of Johnston County, on Granville line; then with the 
same line and Bute line to Edgecombe line, and along Edge- 
combe line to the beginning; be thenceforth erected into a dis- 
tinct county and parish b};- the name of Wake County and St. 
Margaret's Parish." 

This act was ratified January 26, 1771, by the General Assem- 
bly, which sat that year in JSTeAv Bern. Josiah Martin was then 
Colonial Governor. 

A copy of the charter of the county may be found recorded in 
the office of the Clerk of the Superior Court. It is signed by 
William Tryon, the Colonial Governor, and executed at New 
Bern the 22d day of May, 1771. 

The following is a literal copy of the order directing its regis- 
tration : 

"Wake Sepr Inferior Term, 1771. 
*'Wake County— 

"Present His Majesty's Justices. 'Twas then Ordered, that 
the Avithin Charter of Wake County be Recorded, which was 
done accordingly this twelfth Day of Sepr., 1771, in Book A and 
pages 4, 5 and 6. 

"Test : Jno. Rice, C. I. C." 

The county was named for Royal Governor Tryon's wife, 
whose maiden name was Wake, though some authorities claim it 
was so designated in honor of Esther Wake, a sister of Lady 
Tryon. 

Since the organization of the county in 1771, its boundaries 
and area have been twice changed — first, in 1881, when a portion 
of Oak Grove Township was taken for the purpose of aiding in 
the organization of Durham County, and again in 1911, when 
another portion of this township was ceded to the same county. 
Since this time a new township, knoAvn as Leesville, has been 



14 HISTORICAL RALEIGH 



W. C. VNDERHILL, Pres. and Gen. Mgr. MISS M. E. UNDERHILL. Vice-Pres. 

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SKETCHES OF WaKE COUNTY 15 

created, composed of portions of Barton's Creek, House's Creek 
and the remainder of Oak Grove. 

Wake County now comprises nineteen townships, viz. : Bar- 
ton's Creek, Buckhorn, Cary, Cedar Fork, Holly Springs, House's 
Creek, Leesville, Little River, Mark's Creek, Middle Creek, 
ISTeuse River, New Light, Panther Branch, Raleigh, St. Mary's. 
St. Matthew's, Swift Creek, Wake Forest, White Oak. 

The following are among the prominent, substantial and influ- 
ential citizens of their respective townships, to whom reference 
should be made in a work of this character : 

Barton's CreeJc. — J. D. R. Allen, G. D. Bailey, C. A. Bailey,. 
G. H. Ball, L. L. Brogden, E. J. Byrum, J. C. Harrison, D. W. 
Hockaday, J. W. Hudson, Z, A. Jackson, C. B. Lyon, W. L. Nip- 
per, G. B. Norwood, Dudley Peed, J. A. J. Penny, George W. 
Ray, Dr. S. W. Thompson, J. R. White. 

BucJchorn.—J. W. Barker, A. H. Bennett, C. H. Booth, C. J. 
Bright, J. H. Buchanan, Dr. B. W. Burt, John H. Dupree, A. J, 
Edwards, B. B. Freeman, L. L. Gardner, C. B. Harrington, S. B. 
Holleman, Aaron Holleman, L. M. Holt, J. T. Judd, D. L. D. 
Lashlee, D. D. Lawrence, R. R. Marks, A. H. Ragan, L. E. Rol- 
lins, R. C. Patrick, T. B. Segroves, D. S. Stephenson, I. P. 
Upchurch. 

Cary.— J. P. H. Adams, W. H. Atkins, J. W. Avent, W. T. 
Cooper, W. G. Crowder, M. B. Dry, A. Dughi, J. D. Glover, 
W. M. Grimes, Sion Holleman, C. J. Holleman, J. W. Holloway, 
D. H. House, T. Ivey, A. N. Jackson, W. D. Jones, H. B. Jor- 
dan, E. M. Lassiter, J. P. Olive, O. L. Stephens, W. P. Stone, 
Dr. J. M. Templeton, J. C. Walker, C. W. Scott, L. V. Reavis, 
S. S. Wood, J. B. Richardson, J. K. P. Varner, W. H. Grimes, 
A. C. Page, Percy Waldo, C. R. Scott, W. T. Lynn, T. F. Alex- 
ander, Z. V. Johnson, A. S. Johnson, C. L. Duke, J. C. Mat- 
thews, W. H. Blanchard, F. R. Gray, P. D. Gray, A. H. Pleas- 
ants, R. B. Harrison, J. M. Templeton, Jr. 

Cedar Fork.—W. H. Carpenter, E. W. Clements, W. G. Clem- 
ents, W. H. Edwards, C. B. Estes, C. F. Ferrell, W. G. Ford, 
O. E. Goodwin, J. B. Herndon, J. R. Home, J. B. Harward, 
W. H. King, J. C. Marcom, C. F. Maynard, S. P. Moring, J. H. 



.16 HISTORICAL RALEIGH 



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SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 17 

McGhee, W. T. Nutt, W. L. Page, Eobert Eich, C. F. Maynard, 
J. A. Estridge, W. A. Pleasant, J. H. Moring, A. E. Eiggsbee, 
S. E. Home, J. F. Council, F. A. Edwards, Marion Ferrell, 
Z. P. Ferrell, E. L. Sorrell, J. E. House. 

Holly SpHngs.—G. B. Alford, G. H. Alford, J. A. Alston, 
J. J. Burt, W. H. Burt, C. H. Collins, T. A. Council, J. A. D. 
Cross, W. F. Cross, E. M. Dickens, G. W. Hall, J. D. Hare, 
J. M. Hare, T. A. Holland, J. W. Jones, A. B. McLeod, Eev. 
H. W. Norris, C. M. Page, Cary P. Powell, M. S. Sorrell, A. J. 
Stephens, E. H. Templeton, H. W. Norris, "W. A. Jones, M. L. 
Altman, M. L. Wright, W. A. Seagroves, J. M. Harper, T. B. 
Holt, T. E. Lashley, J. E. Seagroves, J. E. Carter, W. L. Brewer, 
W. L. Price, J. P. Wood, E. A. Wood, S. Schall, J. F. Jones, 
W. L. Norris, M. M. Smith. 

House's Creek. — J. H. Aycock, H. B. Bagwell, J. T. Edwards, 

D. L. Farrior, Charles Finch, I. T. Goodin, J. S. Hailey, C. J. 
Harward, E. M, King, J. J. Lynn, I. H. Lynn, C. W. Mooney- 
ham, M. M. Perry, G. L. B. Penny, E. S. Eogers, Hugh Shaw, 
W. T. Smith, Nathan Tyson, A. V. Woodall. 

Leesville. — J. S. Bailey, J. B. Butler, H. M. Byrum, J. M. 
Carlton, N. A. Dillard, G. M. Jackson, A. F. King, Charles 
McGhee, H. M. Norwood, A. G. Eay, A. D. Eoss, L>r. L. P. Sor- 
rell, E. L. Sorrell, Eobert Strickland, J. T. Young. 

Little River.— L. Y. Baker, S. T. Barhani, C. V. Batts, Dr. 
G. M. Bell, W. E. Brantley, J. E. Broughton, B. C. Bunn, C. D. 
Bunn, B. B. Carter, M. C. Chamblee, W. G. Cone, G. W. Duke, 
W. B. Edwards, A. J. Ferrell, W. B. Ferrell, W. C. Ferrell, 
M. L .Fowler, W. B. Gettys, J. E. Gill, E. Grissom, E. W. Hood, 

E. B. Horton, S. L. Horton, C. D. Jones, J. A. Kemp, E. J. Mas- 
sey, E. B. Nichols, J. E. Pearce, J. M. Whitley, G. O. Pitts, 
S. W. Gabriel, J. A. Strickland, W. H. Chamblee, A. G. Kemp. 
K B. Finch, G. M. Sanders, J. H. Bunn, W. A. Honeycutt, 

B. M. Alford, J. C. Jeffreys, M. S. Chamblee, M. O. Holton, 
K. H. Hopkins, A. E. Holloway, T. B. Brantley, M. C. Medlin, 
H. L. Woodruff, L. L. Massey, A. J. Hunt, T. M. Thomason. 

Marh's Creeh—M. A. Griffin, J. T. Blackwell, J. Broadwell, 

C. P. Bullock, J. W. Cash, E. D. Christian, G. S. Ferrell, S. D. 

2 



18 HISTORICAL RALEIGH 



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ARCHITECT 



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SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 19 

Griffin, D. B. Harrison, M. D. Hinton, C. S. Hobgood, B. D. 
Honeycutt, C. T. Horton, N. F. House, W. R. Johnson, W. T. 
Jones, R. D. Knott, C. A. Liles, Freeman Liles/Charles Martin, 
A. B. Marshburn, W. R. Mattox, W. T. Roberts, R. H. Biggs, 
J. Ashlej Wall, L. O. N"owell, R. B. Whitley, M. C. Todd, Dr. 
James Allen, Dr. H. P. TJnderhill, Dr. J. L. Moore, Dr. F. G. 
Gower, S. E. Garner, J. E. Scarboro, W. R. Nowell, R. H. 
Biggs, E. V. Richardson, J. H. Lewis, J. W. Stell, J. W. Barnes, 
J. W. Davis, W. J. C. Richardson, C. Z. Todd, W. E. Morris, 
John Duncan. 

Middle Creel:— J. L. Adcock, John W. Adcock, W. H. Aiken, 
Charles A. Ballentine, J. D. Ballentine, J. W. Blalock, W. H. 
Blanchard, R. S. Brown, L. A. Dupree, A. J. Fish, R. P. Har- 
vell, J. C. Holland, J. B. Johnson, Dr. J. M. Judd, E. J. Partin, 
E. J I Ragsdale, Dr. J. A. Sexton, J. A. Smith, J. E. Brown, 
]Sr. McK. Bryan, E. J. Woodall, E. H. Howard, J. K. Sessoms, 

A. F. Smith, W. R. Bright, J. S. Hailey, A. N". Johnson, W. A. 
Jones, A. J. Blanchard, H. Sessoms, J. B. Johnson, E. H. 
Howard. 

Neuse Fiver. — F. R. Clifton, W. P. Edwards, R. H. Ferguson, 
J. F. Fonville, J. S. Harp, A. J. Honeycutt, C. F. Honeycutt, 
IST. W. Hatch, Kimbrough Jones, W. R. Jeffreys, J. R. Magee,. 

D. G. Mangum, W. H. Nichols, E. O. Penny, L. W. Perry^ 
J. W. Reddish. 

New LigJit.—J. W. Allen, W. E. Allen, J. B. Bailey, W. M. 
Brinkley, W. F. Byrd, S. A. Cannady, C. E. Davis, L. D. Emery, 

B. M. Harrison, J. B. Hobgood, I. W. Jones, E. B. Keith, Henry 
Keith, J. H. Keith, J. T. Lowrey, Terrell Lowrey, J. S. Man- 
gum, A. D. Oneal, H. M. Oneal, W. N. Oneal, J. W. Pearce, 

E. M. Perry, George W. Perry, J. D. Pleasants, J. W. Powell, 
W. J. Ray,' Z. T. Ray, J. IvT. Rochelle, R. C. Sandling, W. D. 
Sandling, J. K. Stephenson, J. H. Watkins, J. C. Wilkins. 

Panther Branch. — A. A. Adams, D. H. Adams, J. F. Adams, 
J. Q. Adams, W. F. Adams, W. S. Austin, J. M. Blalock, Dr. 
K M. Blalock, S. H. Blalock, J. F. Batts, J. L. Britt, J. B. 
Britt, G. H. Carroll, Joseph Crowder, W. A. Ferrall, B. F. Fish, 
J. W. Fish, P. A. Fish, R. A. Fish, W. K Franks, D. H. Hicks, 
George W. Hicks, L. B. Johnson, E. C. Jones, W. C. Jones, 



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HISTORICAL RALEIGH 



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SKECTHES OF WAKE COUNTY 21 

W. L. Jones, E. M. Jordan, J. J. Jordan, J. L. Myatt, T. M. 
Myatt, B. G. Partin, G. W. Pegram, C. E. Erodes. 

;S'^. Mar7/s.— John R. Allen, C. N. Allen, J. J. Bagwell, W. R. 
Bailey, Setli Barber, G. IT. Baiicom, J. M. Baucom, W. S. Beas- 
ley, W. H. Britt, J. F. Broughton, Henry Bryant, B. R. Buffa- 
loe, Dr. J. S. Buffaloe, Dr. W. G. Bryant, J.' D. Carroll, A. H. 
Dupree, L. A. Harper, Ransom Hinton, B. Hobgood, James Hol- 
der, J. W. Honeycutt, J. D. Johnson, W. B. Jones, J. W. Parker, 
G. W. Riddle, G. B. Montague, Henry Bryan, Sam Dupree, 
M. C. Penny, E. A. Dupree, George Mitchener, P. V. Mitcliener, 
G. R. Parker, Troy Pool, Samuel Watts, William Watts, E. P. 
Powell. 

St. Matthew's.— E. L. Bartholomew, J. C. Baugh, M. W. Buf- 
faloe, R. J. Buffaloe, R. A. Coley, S. B. Coley, T. E. Daniels, 
R. G. Dunn, W. B. Dunn, W. R. Terrell, T. Q. Gattis, C. L. 
Goodson, A. C. Green, C. J. Hester, C. T. Hinton, J. D. Horton, 
J. E. Keith, E. G. Murray, Drewry Partin, G. W. Partin, R. H. 
Poole, G. E. Robertson, J. H. Wilder, H. B. Williams. 

Siuift Creek.— H. H. Atkins, W. E. Baker, E. T. Banks, J. M. 
Banks, W. D. Bashford, W. B. Booker, L. J. Brooks, A. A. Buf- 
faloe, R. E. Buffaloe, W. D. Buffaloe, T. J. Caudle, William 
Edwards, B. S. Franklin, J. H. Franks, J. W. Garner, H. J. 
Goodwin, H. P. Green, T. L. Jones, J. G. Langston, Rudolph 
Lorbacher, S. R. Lee, J. E. Massey, Dr. J. J. L. McCullers, B. J. 
TJpchurch. 

Wake Forest.— J. P. Bobbitt, W. C. Brewer, J. C. Caddell. 
H. A. Chappell, C. S. Daniel, A. J. Davis, G. W. Davis, Isaac 
Fort, R. A. Freeman, W. M. Fuller, G. E. Gill, N. Y. Gulley, 
O. K. Holding, T. E. Holding, W. W. Holding, Dr. S. P. Hold- 
ing, R. S. Hunt, W. C. Jackson, W. W. Jenkins, C. E. Jones, J.H. 
Jones, B. A, Keith, J. H. Lassiter, P. H. Mangum, Prof. B. F. 
Sledd, J. H. Mitchell, M. Z. Pearce, W. G. Pearson, Dr. W. L. 
Poteat, Dr. J. B. Powers, F. M. Purefoy, G. A. Ranes, Judge 
E. W. Timberlake, J. L. Allen, Prof. E. W. Timberlake, Jr.. 
J, G. Mills, J. B. Saintsing, R. B. Powell, W. B. Royall, J. H. 
Hubbell, J. H. Gorrell, L. R. Mills, J. F. Lanneau, H. A. Jones, 
J. L. Lake, C. E. Brewer, H. W. Huntley, J. D. Ives, C. E. Tay- 
lor, Prof. E. W. Sikes, J. B. Powers, E. E. Stewart, C. E. Gill, 



22 HISTOKICAL RALEIGH 



Darnell & Thomas 

THE SAFE AND SANE PLACE TO BUY 

PIANOS 

Because you are certain to obtain real intrinsic Piano value for every dollar 

you invest. 

^ We have no " preferred " prices for preferred customers ; we treat every 

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PIANOS. 

^ Our reputation of twenty- five years square dealing is behind every Piano 

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INVESTIGATE. 

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M. LUTHER SHORE 

NORTH SIDE DRUG STORE 

Corner Halifax and Johnson Streets, Raleigh, N. C. 
GENERAL LINE OF 

Drugs, Toilet Articles, Perfumery, Cigars 

and everything usually kept in first-class drugstores 



PRESCRIPTIONS FILLED BY REGISTERED AND COMPE- 
TENT PHARMACISTS ONLY 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 23 

J. M. Brewer, E. E. Royall, E. Allen, E. W. Wilkinson, W. D. 
Edwards, A. J. Medlin^ L. T. Wilson, W. P. Holding, G. S. 
Catlett. 

White Oak.—M. F. Batchelor, J. C. Burns, W. F. Castleberry, 
J. B. Clark, S. D. Cook, A. M. Council, J. E. Cunningham, 
A. Y. Council, W. C. Johnson, S. W. Stone, Theo. Maynard, 
W. M. Yates, J. E. Yates, W. B. Upchurch, G. M. Beavers, 
G. A. Eiggs, D. Q. Womble, W. C. Hunter, George Farrar, Wil- 
liam A. Williams, L. S. Olive, P. J. Olive, J. W. Lassiter, E. P. 
Coffield, W. H. Harward, A. B. Hunter, S. T. Burnett, E. C. 
Sears, L. P. Olive, J. S. Beckwith, L. P. Council, W. E. Branch, 
D. A. Saunders, G. E. Carter, W. A. Evans, W. T. Hunt, A. T. 
Goodwin, Ernest Mills, M. C. Sorrell, G. E. Carter, E. J. Boling, 
J. N. Womble, W. E. Smith, J. C. Thomas, W. W. Pegram, 
W. C. Castleberry, E. P. Coffield, W. C. Betts, G. A. Saunders, 
D. B. Boling, L. J. Johnson. 

, In the foregoing enumeration of the various townships and 
their inhabitants, Ealeigh Township, it will be observed, is 
omitted. The reason for this is that the inhabitants of the city 
of Ealeigh comprise, practically, those of the township. Be- 
sides, sufficient information in this respect may be obtained from 
the numerous publications of the Chamber of Commerce and 
from the City of Ealeigh directories published from time to time. 

JOEL LANE AND BLOOMSBURY 

The county seat of Wake was originally Bloomsbury. This 
name was adopted evidently because such was the title of tho 
homestead of Col. Joel Lane, who was the owner of vast estates 
in this vicinity. Bloomsbury was situated around the present 
intersection of Hargett Street and Boylan Avenue, and embraced 
the lands now owned by the Boylan and Snow families. When 
the county was organized and Bloomsbury became the county 
seat, a court-house was accordingly erected. This was a log 
building, which stood on the hillside in front of Colonel Lane's 
residence. Subsequently, and until 1792, the county seat was 
known as Wake Court-House. 

The residence of Joel Lane is still standing. It originally 
stood on Boylan Avenue, near West Hargett Street, facing east, 



24 HISTORICAL RALEIGH 



CLOTHING 

THE ENTIRE FAMILY ON EASY PAYMENTS 
IS OUR BUSINESS 



^ 



We are "From Head-to-Foot" Outfitters. 
Whether it is a Dress, Suit, Hat or Shoes 
for a lady ; or Suit, Overcoat, Shoes or 
Hat for man, we have just the article, 
manufactured by the leading style creators 
of our land. 

^ There is no "getting ready to buy," be- 
cause we do not require the cash. 
^ We are yours to serve. 
^ Visit our store is all we ask. 



^ 



MASTERS & AGEE CO. 

CHAS. F. COX, Manager 

1 14 Fayetteville Street RALEIGH. N. C. 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 25 

but recently it has been moved to a position about one hundred 
and fifty yards westward, and now faces West Hargett Street. 
It has been the property of the Boylan family since it was pur- 
chased by William Boylan, nearly a century ago. Except the 
double-slanting roof and dormer windows, there is now nothing 
in its exterior to indicate its colonial origin, for the building has 
had many material repairs, especially on the interior. The fire- 
places, originally, were evidently extremely large, as may be 
judged from the base of the chimneys, one of which is built at 
the end and on the outside of the house, and suggests that the 
pieces or "sticks" of wood used for fuel were at least five feet in 
length. One of the mantels is colonial in style, being five or six 
feet above the hearth, while the locks on the doors are of antique 
pattern and of great strength. 

Joel Lane's estate, in the early part of the last century, was 
owned by Peter Browne, one of the first lawyers to settle in 
Kaleigh. Subsequently, in 1818, he disposed of it to William 
Boylan, who settled here in 1799. 

To commemorate Bloomsbury and to mark its site, the Blooms- 
bury Chapter, Daughters of the Revolution, in 1911, caused to 
be placed or erected on the southwest corner of Boylan Avenue 
and West Hargett Street a suitable stone, to which is attached 
a tablet of bronze bearing the following inscription : 

ON AND AROUND THIS SPOT STOOD THE OLD TOWN OF 

BLOOMSBURY 

OB 

WAKE COURT-HOUSE 

WHICH WAS ERECTED AND MADE THE COUNTY SEAT WHEN 

WAKE COUNTY WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1771. 
THIS PLACE WAS THE RENDEZVOUS OF A PART OF GOV- 
ERNOR TRYOn's army WHEN HE MARCHED AGAINST THE 
REGULATORS IN 1771 ; HERE MET THE STATE REVOLU- 
TIONARY ASSEMBLY IN 1781, AND TO THIS VICINITY WAS 
REMOVED THE SEAT OF GOVERNMENT WHEN THE CAPITAL 
CITY OF RALEIGH WAS INCORPORATED IN 1792. 
THIS MEMORIAL PLACED BY BLOOMSBURY CHAPTER, 
DAUGHTERS OF THE REVOLUTION, A. D. 1911. 



26 HISTORICAL RALEIGH 



A. ROSENGARTEN. President L. A. ROSENGARTEN, Sec-Trea.. 

J. ROSENGARTEN CO. 

CLOTHIERS 
HATS, SHOES AND GENTS' FURNISHINGS 

214 FAYETTEVILLE STREET 
CAPITAL CITY PHONE 397 

D. T. MOORE & SON 

1 16 East Hargetl Street, Raleigh, N. C. 

PHONE 472 

CIGARS, CIGARETTES and SODA WATER 

CONFECTIONERIES AND FANCY FRUITS 

PAPERS AND MAGAZINES 

OPEN SUNDAYS 

Agency for Broad Rock Water. Five -gal Ion Carboy $1.00 
DEALERS ALSO IN FRESH FISH AND OYSTERS 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 27 

Since many descendants of Col. Joel Lane are still living 
among us, a brief sketch of the Lane family may prove not 
uninteresting : 

There were five of the Lane brothers — Joel, Joseph, Jesse, 
James and Barnabas. The three first mentioned settled in the 
vicinity of Raleigh in 1741. Col. Joel Lane's first wife was 
Martha Hinton, his second Mary Hinton, daughters of Col. 
John Hinton, of Wake. Joseph Lane married Ferebee Hunter. 
He died in 1798. The maiden name of the wife of James Lane 
was Lydia Speight. Jesse Lane had a son, John, who married 
Betsy Street, of Buncombe, and these two were the father and 
mother of Gen. Joseph Lane, of Oregon, who was the candidate 
for Vice-President in 1860, on the ticket with Breckenridge. 
Jesse Lane married Winifred Aycock, and these were grand- 
parents of ex-Governor Swain. 

Joel Lane had six sons and an equal number of daughters. 
The sons were : Henry, James, William, John, Thomas and 
Joel; the daughters were, ISTancy, Martha, Elizabeth, Mary, 
Dorothy and Grizzelle. The eldest son, Henry, was the grand- 
father of the late Henry Mordecai, and second cousin to Gen. 
Joseph Lane. This relationship between the latter and Mr. 
Mordecai occasioned, in 1860, when the Vice-Presidential can- 
didate came to Raleigh, the most distinguished social gathering 
which had ever been observed here. This was at the residence 
of Mr. Mordecai, on the northern limits of the city, to which 
were invited every one of consequence hereabouts, and all the 
kinspeople of the Lanes and Mordecais far and near. It is said 
to have been the most brilliant and elaborate affair ever known 
in the history of the capital. Among others present, and who 
were descendants of Joel Lane, were members of the following 
families: Devereuxs, McCullers (John Joseph Lane McCullers, 
father of Mr. Charles E. and Dr. Joseph McCullers), the late 
Col. L. D. Stephenson, Matthew Stephenson, Austin Jones, and 
a great many others whose names are not known. 

The late Mrs. Lydia Brown, mother of Messrs. John W. and 
Joseph G. BrowTi, was a great-granddaughter of Joel Lane. 

The living descendants of Henry Lane now living in Wake 



28 HISTORICAL RALEIGH 

^*There'd be but One Shoe if Everyone Knew"- 




WAKE SHOE COMPANY 




"SELZ ROYAL BLUE" STORE 

122 West Martin Street, Raleigh, N. C. 

'GUARANTEED SHOES'' 

Ladies' Re^ Room and Shoe Shining Parlor Attached 

HAYWOOD D. BELL, Manager 

Bell Phone 1332 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 29 

County are numerous. Prominent among tliose residing in 
Raleigh are Mrs. Margaret L. Little and five sons ; Miss Martha 
Mordecai, Mrs. Mary W. Turk and two children; Mrs. Ellen 
Mordecai, Mrs. J. J. MacKay and five children; Mrs. John W. 
Hinsdale, Mrs. Samuel Ashe. 

Samuel F. Mordecai, the distinguished JSTorth Carolina jurist, 
now dean of Trinity Law School, is also a descendant of Henry 
Lane. 

Many other descendants of the Lanes are, of course, living in 
Raleigh and in Wake, hut their names are too numerous to make 
any attempt to mention, the space in this little volume being too 
limited to allow. 

SITTINGS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY DURING 
THE REVOLUTION 

Without attempting to give the reader any account of the sit- 
tings of the General Assembly — whether Royal or Proprietary — • 
in ante-Revolutionary times, his attention is dii'ected to the ses- 
sions of this body during the Revolution. These were affected 
to a considerable extent by the exigencies of war. Those in 1777 
and the first session of 1778, as well as the first of 1780, were 
held in 'New Bern. The second session of 1778, the second of 
1780, and those of 1782 and 1783 were at Hillsboro. The third 
session of the General Assembly of 1778, which met in January, 
1779, was at Halifax, as was likewise the second session of 1779 ; 
the first of 1779 was at Smithfield; the first of 1781 was in Wake 
County, at the Lane homestead. One was appointed for Salem, 
but a quorum did not attend. 

After the Declaration of Peace, the sessions of 1784 were, the 
first at Hillsboro, and the second at New Bern, as was also that 
of 1785. That of 1787 was at Tarboro. Those of 1786, 1788, 
1789, 1790 and the first session of 1793 were at Fayettevile. 
Those of 1791, 1792, and the second session of 1793, held in 
June, 1794, were at New Bern. 



30 



HISTORICAL RALEIGH 



Raleigh Banking & Trust 
Company 




GENERAL BANKING 



TRUST BUSINESS 



Acts as Agent, Administrator, Guardian, 
and in Every Fiduciary Capacity 



CHAS. E. JOHNSON, President 


F. H. BRIGGS, Cashier 


J. B. TIMBERLAKE. Assistant Cashier 


DIRECTORS 




Chas. E. Johnson W. N. Jones 


W. A. Linehan 


H. E. Norris F. 0. Moring 


Alfred Williams 


J. R. Chamberlain James A. Briggs 


John W. Harden 


Cary K. Durfey T. B. Crowder 





SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 31 

LOCATION OF A PERMANENT CAPITAL 

The General Assembly of 1787, sitting at Tarboro, in pro- 
viding for calling a Convention to consider tlie adoption of the 
Constitution of the United States, recommended the people of 
the State to "fix on the place for the unalterable seat of govern- 
ment." 

The Convention, which met at Hillsboro in 1788, resolved that 
''this Convention will not fix the seat of government at one par- 
ticular point, but that it shall be left to the discretion of the 
General Assembly to ascertain the exact spot, provided always 
that it shall be within ten miles of the plantation whereon Isaac 
Hunter now resides, in the county of Wake." 

In 1791 an act was passed by the General Assembly to carry 
the ordinance of 1788 into effect. It was provided that nine 
commissioners be appointed to lay off and locate the city within 
ten miles of the plantation of Isaac Hunter, in the County of 
"Wake, and five persons "to cause to be built and erected a State- 
house sufficiently large to accommodate with convenience both 
houses of the General Assembly, at an expense not to exceed ten 
thousand pounds." 

This historic tract of Isaac Hunter lies about three and a half 
miles north of Raleigh, on what was once the great road from 
the N^orth to the South by way of Petersburg, Warrenton, Louis- 
burg, Wake Court-House to Fayetteville, Charleston and other 
points. 

The act provided for one commissioner from each of the 
eight judicial districts, and a ninth from the State-at-large. The 
following were elected: For the Morgan District, Joseph Mc- 
Dowell, the elder; Salisbury District, James Martin; Hillsboro 
District, Thomas Person; Halifax District, Thomas Blount; 
Edenton District, William Johnston Dawson; 'New Bern Dis- 
trict, Frederick Hargett; Fayetteville District, Henry William 
Harrington; Wilmington District, James Bloodworth; State-at- 
large, Willie Jones. 

Willie Jones, of Halifax, was the leader in the State of the 
anti-Federalists, a member of the Provincial Congress at ISTew 



32 



HISTOKICAL RALEIGH 



" IT'S WORTH THE DIFFERENCE " 




ALEIGH, N.C. 



PHOTOGRAPHER TO FAMOUS NORTH CAROLINIANS' 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 33 

Bern in 1774, and chairman of the Committee on Safety in 
1776. He refused to accept a seat in the Constitutional Con- 
vention of 1787 at Philadelphia, and led the party in the State 
Convention of 1788 opposed to the adoption of the Federal Con- 
stitution. He eventually removed to Wake County, and bought 
the plantation now owned in part by the St. Augustine Normal 
School. It was on this place he was buried, but there is now 
no stone to mark the spot. 

Frederick Hargett was for many years Senator from Jones. 

James Martin was a colonel of militia in the Revolution, and 
participated in winning the victories of Moore's Creek Bridge 
and Guilford Court-House. The deed from Joel Lane for the 
land purchased for the capital was to James Martin in trust for 
the State. 

Thomas Blount, of Edgecombe, had been a Revolutionary 
officer. He was the same year elected to the JSTational House of 
Representatives, and afterwards represented Edgecombe in the 
State Senate. 

Thomas Person, of Granville, was a general of militia in the 
early Revolution, and afterwards represented his county in the 
General Assembly. He was a benefactor of the University, and 
in his honor the County of Person was named. 

James Bloodworth, of I^ew Hanover, had often represented 
his county in the General Assembly. He was a son of Timothy 
Bloodworth, a gunmaker, and was afterwards Speaker of the 
House of Commons (as the House of Representatives was then 
termed), a Representative in the Congress of the Union, and a 
United States Senator. 

Col. Joseph McDowell, the elder, of Burke, was distinguished 
for his services in the Revolution, and for being a leader of the 
anti-Federalist party in the West, opposing, in the Conventions 
of 1778 and 1789, the proposed "immediate and unconditional 
ratification of the Federal Constitution." 

William Johnston Dawson, of Chowan, was a member of Con- 
gress and a man of great influence in the Albemarle country. 

Henry William Harrington, of Richmond, was an officer in 
the Revolutionary struggle. He was a member of the Legisla- 



34 HISTORICAL RALEIGH 



JOB P. WYATT & SONS CO. 

325-327 South Wilmington Street 
RALEIGH, N. C. 

FARM MACHINERY, VEHICLES 
FEED AND SEED 

Martin Street Pharmacy 

COR. MARTIN AND BLOUNT STREETS 
E. O. EDGERTON, Proprietor 

Specialties: Edgerton's LaGrippe Capsules, Edgerton's 
Chill Capsules, Edgerton's Glycerine Lotion 



Capital City Piione 230 Raleigh Phone 330 



NIGHT PHONE PRESCRIPTIONS CHEERFULLY FILLED 

Night Phone (C. C.) lOOI-Y 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 35 

ture and famed as a planter of immense estates and baronial 
style of living. 

The following were chosen as the Building Committee : Rich- 
ard Benehan, of Orange; John Macon, of Warren; Robert Good- 
loe, of Franklin ; ISTathan Bryan, of Jones, and Theophilus Hun- 
ter, of Wake. 

James Iredell, of Chowan, who was a member of the Conven- 
tion, introduced the ordinance locating the seat of government 
in the County of Wake. The first to suggest "Raleigh" as the 
appropriate designation for the future capital was Governor 
Alexander Martin. 

James Iredell afterwards had the distinction of being honored 
with a seat on the bench of the United States Supreme Court, 
and is to be distinguished from James Iredell, his son, who was 
Governor in 1827, and at the time of his death, at an advanced 
age, a resident of Raleigh. 

The commissioners were directed to purchase not less than 
six hundred and forty nor more than one thousand acres, and to 
lay off a town of not less than four hundred acres. The main 
streets — Fayetteville, Halifax, Hillsboro and ISTew Bern — were 
required to be 99 feet, the remainder 66 feet wide. Twenty acres 
or more were to be allotted for public squares. 

(The commissioners were to be allowed twenty shillings (two 
dollars) per day and expenses.) 

On Tuesday, the 20th March, 1792, there assembled at the 
house of Isaac Hunter five of the nine commissioners, viz. : 
Frederick Hargett, of Jones; William Johnston Dawson, of 
Chowan ; Joseph McDowell, of Burke ; James Martin, of Stokes ; 
Thomas Blount, of Edgecombe. They did not organize, but 
adjourned at once to the house of Joel Lane, at Wake Court- 
House. On the next day they began their work by viewing the 
lands which had been offered to them as suitable sites. On the 
22d they were joined by Willie Jones, of Halifax. 

The tracts offered to the commissioners, and which they were 
eight days riding over, not stopping for Sunday, were those of 
the following-named owners : Nathaniel Jones, Theophilus Hun- 
ter, Sr., Theophilus Hunter, Jr., Joel Lane, Henry Lane, Isaac 



36 HISTORICAL RALEIGH 



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Thirty Thousand Dollars Spent on Permanent 
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For Premium fjist or other information, write to 

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RALEIGH, N. C. 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 6 i 

Huntei-, Thomas Crawford, Dempsey Powell, Etlielred Rogers. 
Michael Rogers, Hardy Dean, John Ezell, John Hinton, Kini- 
brough Hinton, Lovett Bryan and William Jeffreys. 

On the 27th of March the commissioners took a second view 
of the lands of Joel and Henry Lane. 

On Thursday, the 29th of March, the commissioners pro- 
ceeded to organize themselves into a board, choosing unani- 
mously as chairman Frederick Hargett. They then proceeded 
to ballot for the place most proper to be purchased. Only three 
obtained any vote. John Hinton's tract, on the north side of the 
IN^euse, near Milburnie, received three votes ; Joel Lane's tract, 
at Wake Court-House, received two votes ; and I^athaniel Jones' 
tract, near Gary, received one vote. So there was no choice. 
On Friday, March 30th, a second ballot was taken, with the 
result that Joel Lane's tract, at Wake Court-House, received 
five votes and the Hinton land but one vote. 

The quantity purchased was the maximum allowed by the 
law — one thousand acres. The price was thirty shillings, or $3. 
for the "woodland and fresh ground," and twenty shillings per 
acre ($2) for the old-field. [It may be of interest to the reader 
to learn that English money continued in circulation here as 
late as 1810, as shown by the county records.] One-fourth of 
the tract, after being cleared and cultivated, was abandoned be- 
cause exhausted, and rated at only two-thirds the value of land 
covered by the original forest growth. The price of the whole 
was £1,378, or $2,756— £1 at that time being the equivalent of 
but $2, instead of $5, as now. 

The surveyor employed was William Christmas, State Senator 
from Franklin County, who agreed to accept in full compensa- 
tion for his services, including six copies of the plan of the city, 
four shillings, or forty cents currency, for each lot. As there 
were 276 lots, his pay amounted to $110.40. 

LOCATION OF THE COUNTY SEAT 

The location of the county seat was entrusted to seven com- 
missioners, also appointed by the General Assembly, viz. : Joel 
Lane, Theophilus Hunter, Hardy Sanders, Joseph Lane, John 



HISTORICAL RALEIGH 



The Raleigh Times 



THE RALEIGH PAPER 
FOR RALEIGH PEOPLE 



Sent anywhere to anybody zvho zvill pay $5.00 
a year for it 



JOHN A. PARK, Publisher 



The Halei^h 
Apartments 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 39 

Hinton, Thomas Hines and Thomas Crawford. The commis- 
sioners for building the court-house and jail were Joel Lane. 
James Martin and Theophilus Hunter. 

Since the first court-house was not erected till about 1800 
(and that on Fayetteville Street, where the present temple of 
justice stands), the building at Bloomsbury, or Wake Courr- 
House, erected for a court-house in 1770, continued, it seems, to 
be used as such for several years after the city was organized. 

The new court-house was on Fayetteville Street, on the site of 
the present temple of justice — rectangular, of wood, and of the 
shape of the old-fashioned country meeting-house. The land on 
which it stood was conveyed in 1793 by James Bloodworth, of 
New Hanover County, to the County of Wake, through ''Joel 
Lane, Tignal Jones, John Whitaker and Eichard Banks, jus- 
tices of Wake County, together with the other justices thereof. 
and their successors in office" (the consideration being five shil- 
lings), "on condition that the court-house be erected and con- 
tinued on said half acre of ground; otherwise said half acre of 
ground to be and remain in James Bloodworth." The deed is 
registered in the office of the Register of Deeds of Wake County. 
in Book 64, pp. 465-6. Tignal Jones, one of the justices re- 
ferred to above, was the great-uncle of ex-Solicitor Armistead 
Jones, Esq., a prominent attorney of the Raleigh Bar, and son- 
in-law of Gen. L. O'B. Branch. 

In 1835, or thereabouts, the court-house was sold and removed 
to the southeast corner of Wilmington and Davie streets, and 
was for a long time a family residence. It was afterwards con- 
ducted, first, as a boarding-house, by the Misses Pulliam, and 
then as a hotel, by George T. Cooke, and known as Cooke's 
Hotel. The structure which replaced the one removed was of 
brick and erected in 1835. This was remodeled in 1882, and 
constitutes the present court-house. A new temple of justice will 
soon be erected on the site of the present building, the cost of 
which will be $200,000. 



40 HISTOEICAL RALEIGH 



CHAS. McKIMMON R. M. NOWELL E. N. SPENCER 

President Vice-President Sec. and Treas. 

McKimmon 
Dry Goods Co. 

(Incokporatkd) 
No. 126 FAYETTEVILLE STREET 

Raleigh's Authority on Ladies' Wear 



This is essentially a store for women, for we carry 
Women's and Children's Wear exclusively. 

Costumes, Waists, Skirts, 
Underwear, Corsets, Silks, 
Gloves, Dress Fabrics, 
Wash Goods, Laces, 
Hosiery, Neckwear, 
Trimmings, Notions, etc. 



The attractiveness of our merchandise and the reason- 
ableness of our prices will surely please you, and so also 
will the belter service our store provides. 

Out of town orders are filled the same day as received, 
and are given our most careful and prompt attention. 

You take no chance wIumi ordering from us, AS IT 
MUST BE RIGHT. 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 41 



PLAN OF THE CITY. 



The work of the survey occupied four days. The plan was 
adopted on the 4th of April, 1792, the commissioners assigning 
names to the public squares and streets. They gave the name 
Union to the Capitol Square, which is nearly six acres in extent. 
Four other squares, of four acres each, they called in honor of 
the first three Governors of our State under the Constitution of 
1776, and of the Attorney-General, viz. : Governors Caswell, 
Nash, Burke, and Attorney-General Moore. Caswell Square is 
the site of the Institution for the Blind; Nash is opposite the 
Union Depot, on the east; Burke, the site of the Governor's 
Mansion; Moore is in the southeastern portion of the city and 
bounded by Blount, Martin,- Hargett and Person streets. 

In naming the streets, the commissioners first honored the 
eight judicial districts into which the State was divided, viz. : 
Edenton, New Bern, Wilmington, Hillsboro, Halifax, Salisbury, 
Fayetteville and Morgan. The street leading from the centre of 
Union Square, perpendicularly thereto toward the north, was 
called Halifax Street; that to the east. New Bern; that to the 
south, Fayetteville, and that to the west Hillsboro. These are 
99 feet; all the others are 66 feet wide, their width being pre- 
scribed by the act of 1791. 

The streets running east and west along the north and the 
south side of Union Square were called, respectively, Edenton 
and Morgan. Those running north and south along the east and 
west side were called, respectively, Wilmington and Salisbury. 

The other streets (with the exception of those most remote 
from Union Square, which, being the boundary streets, were 
called North, East, South, and West) were named, firstly, after 
the nine Commissioners on Location. This left four streets. In 
naming them, the commissioners concluded to compliment the 
Speaker of the Senate, William Lenoir; the Speaker of the 
House of Commons, Stephen Cabarrus ; the former owner of the 
land, Joel Lane, and, lastly. Gen. William Richardson Davie. 

William Lenoir was Speaker of the Senate. He was in the 
Revolution and further distinguished as the President of the 



42 HISTORICAL RALEIGH 



J. KLINE G LAZARUS 

Kline & Lazarus Department Store 

DEALERS IN 

Clothing, Dry Goods, Shoes, Hats, Gents' 
Furnishings and Ladies' Ready-to-Wear 



UP-TO-DATE LINE OF MILLINERY 



206, 208, 210 South Wilmington Street 
RALEIGH, N. C. 



Thompson Electrical Company 

CONTRACTORS AND ENGINEERS 



108 W. Martin Street, Raleigh, N. C. 
C. C. Phone 370 D. J. THOMPSON, Manager 



Estimates on all kinds of electrical work gladly fur- 
nished. 

We carry a complete line of Electrical Supplies and 
Specialties — in fact everything electrical. Visit our show 
rooms at 108 W. Martin Street, or call Capital City Phone 
370, and your order will receive our prompt attention. 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 43 

Board of Trustees of the State University. An eastern town and 
a western county are named in his honor. 

Stephen Cabarrus, of Chowan, was an immigrant from 
France, and for several years Speaker of the House of Com- 
mons. He was a man much beloved by the people of the whole 
State. 

Joel Lane, of Wake, had represented this county in the Colo- 
nial Assemblies, the State Congress and the State Senate. 

William Richardson Davie was a gallant cavalry officer in the 
Revolution. After the war he was an eminent lawyer and re- 
nowned as an advocate of education. As a delegate from North 
Carolina to the Constitutional Convention of 1787 and in the 
State Conventions of 1788 and 1789 he was an advocate of the 
ratification of the Federal Constitution. He was afterwards 
Governor of the State, and, on the prospect of a war with 
France, Avas appointed by President Adams a brigadier-general 
in the army of the United States. He was selected by the 
President as one of the three special envoys to France who suc- 
ceeded in averting the war. 

Parallel to Edenton and Morgan streets, north of the capitol, 
are Jones and Lane; to the south, Hargett, Martin, Davie, 
Cabarrus, and Lenoir. Parallel to Wilmington and Salisbury 
are, to the east, Blount, Person, and Bloodworth; to the west. 
McDowell, Dawson, and Harrington. 

The commissioners made their report to the General Assembly 
of 1792, and it was adopted. It was enacted that "the several 
streets represented in the plan, and the public square whereon 
the State-house is to be built, shall be called and forever known 
by the names given to them, respectively, by the commissioners 
aforesaid." It was also enacted that the other four public 
squares shall be called and known by the names of Caswell, 
Moore, JSTash, and Burke squares, but the names were not made 
irrepealable. 

The following was the original plan : Counting the two 
boundary streets, there were from north to south twelve streets, 
of which eleven are 66 feet wide and one 99 feet ; from east to 
west there were eleven streets, of which ten are 66 feet wide and 



44 HISTORICAL KALEIGH 



Norfolk Southern 

RAILROAD^ 

Route of the ''Night Express*' 

Ne\r Short Line Through 
Eastern North Carolina 

DIRECT LINE BETWEEN 

NORFOLK 

Raleigh, Ne^v Bern, Goldsboro 

Via Washington, Kinston, Greenville, Farm- 
ville, Wilson, to Points North and South 



ELECTRIC LIGHTED PULLMAN SLEEPING 
AND PARLOR CARS 

Fast Schedules : Best Service 
Double Daily Express Service 



B. L. BUGG H. S. LEARD W. C. UPCHURCH 

Traffic Manager General Passenger Agent General Agent 

Norfolk, Va. Norfolk. Va. Raleigh, N. C. 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 45 

one 99 feet. From north to south there were eighteen one-acre 
lots; from east to west, sixteen one-acre lots. Including the 
boundary streets, the city was 4,581 feet from north to south, 
and 4,097% from east to west, supposing that the lots are 208% 
feet square. If the lots are 210 feet square, as they are usually 
estimated, then the distance was, north to south, 4,605 feet ; east 
to west, 4,059. 

The plan was not, however, a perfect rectangle. Between 
Lane and North streets, at the northeast and northwest corners, 
were left out three lots of one acre each, and between Lenoir and 
South streets, at the southeast and southwest comers, were left 
out three lots of one acre each, or a total of twelve acres. There 
wei-e, therefore, only ten lots fronting on North and ten fronting 
on South streets. 

All the public squares are four acres each, except Union, 
which is about six acres. All the private squares are four acres 
each, except those along Hillsboro Street and New Bern Avenue 
on both sides, those along Halifax and Fayetteville streets on 
both sides, and those along North, East, South, and West streets 
(within the original corporate limits), which are not, mathe- 
matically speaking, squares, but rectangles of two acres each. 
The acres as laid out by Surveyor Christmas were each 208% 
feet square (the true acre), but the conventional acre of 210 feet 
square has been adopted, practically. This departure and the 
variation of the compass since have caused considerable confu- 
sion in the boundaries of lots and streets. 

The city, as thus laid off, contained 400 acres, arranged in five 
squares of four acres each, and 276 lots of one acre each. 

Joel Lane deserved the honor of having a street named after 
him, not only because he was the owner of the site, but because 
of his military services as colonel of militia and his representing 
the County of Wake in the Colonial Assemblies, the State Con- 
gresses and the State Senate, and whose ancestors had been use- 
ful citizens in the Albemarle country and then in Halifax. The 
grandsons of his brother, Jesse Lane, became eminent in distant 
States. Gen. Joseph Lane was Federal Senator from Oregon and 
candidate for the Vice-Presidency on the Breckenridge ticket ; 



46 



HISTORICAL RALEIGH 




FLOWERS 
and PLANTS 

Roses, Carnations and other 
choice cut flowers for all occa- 
sions. Shower Bouquets and Deco- 
rations for weddings a specialty. 
Floral Designs. Handsome Palms 
and Ferns for house culture as 
well as outdoor bedding plants. 
Flowering Shrubs and Evergreens. 

H. STEINMETZ 

Florist 

RALEIGH, N. C. 



Accident and Health 
INSURANCE 

SHOULD APPEAL TO ALL MEN 

It provides an income when needed most. 

Write for particulars in regard to the Aetna Disability Contract. 
It will pay you. 

I am also prepared to furnish all forms of Bonds, such as are 
required by public officials in court proceedings, etc. 

See, write or phone me for 

ANYTHING IN INSURANCE 

Agents Wanted WM. B. MERRIMON Dixie Building 

GREENSBORO. N. C. 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 47 

George W. Lane was District Judge of the United States for 
Alabama. Many of Joel Lane's descendants, through his son 
Henry (two of whose daughters married the eminent lawyer, 
Moses Mordecai) are still among us. 

The plan of the city thus laid out and adopted by the General 
Assembly continued unchanged for over sixty years. The area 
was one square mile, but by the acts of the General Assembly of 
1856-'57 the corporate limits were extended one-fourth of a mile 
each way. The area is now four square miles. 

First Sale of Lots. 

The same commissioners who located the city made the first 
sale of lots, one acre each. The square on which Dr. Hogg lived, 
bought by General Davie, brought $254^ — the two lots fronting 
on Wilmington Street, $60 each; the two others on Blount 
Street, $66 and $68, respectively. The lot (No. 211) on which 
the Supreme Court and Agricultural buildings are now situate 
brought $263. At this sale, Treasurer John Haywood (grand- 
father of Mr. Ernest Haywood) purchased the site on which the 
latter now resides (on !N^ew Bern Avenue), and in 1793 erected 
thereon the house which has been the residence of the Haywood 

\ family to this day. 

} Raleigh is situated about the centre of the State, and is in 

latitude 35 degrees 47 minutes north, longitude 78 degrees 48 

. minutes west, a little to the northeast of the geographical centre 

,' of the State. It is located in a gently rolling region of the 

j oldest Laurentian system. Average temperature: Spring, 58.7; 
summer, 77.6 ; autumn, 61.0 ; Avinter, 43.2 — comparing favorably 
with Los Angeles, Mexico, Naples, and Rome. During the Civil 
War it was designated by a board of eminent surgeons, appointed 
to select sites for hospitals, as one of the several sites in the 
State most suitable for that purpose, because of its remarkable 
salubrious climate, combining as far as possible all influences 
conducive to convalescence of invalids and health of attendants. 
The fine old trees which were spared by the original settlers, but 
rapidly disappearing with city improvements, gave it the sobri- 
quet of the "City of Oaks." 



48 



HISTORICAL RALEIGH 



J. W. CROSS, President J. P. WRAY, Vice-Presidenl 

W, A. LINEHAN, Secretary and Treajurer 



Cross & Linehan 
Company 



RALEIGH. N. C. 



CLOTHIERS 
and Furnishers 




SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 49 

At the southeast corner of the Capitol Square, it will be ob- 
served, there are three large stones set in the earth, being about 
four feet apart and all apparently three feet in height. Between 
two of these stones, and nearly level therewith, is another though 
smaller stone, into which is cut a cross mark, representing the 
points of the compass. The question is frequently asked con- 
cerning the significance of these stones and mark. The answer 
is found in the reference to the longitude and latitude of the 
city. This was officially determined many years ago, under 
direction of the United States Geodetic Survey, and these stones 
were then erected to mark the spot from which the officials took 
their reckoning. 

The altitude of Raleigh is 363 feet, denoted by an inscription 
on a small copper plate, set in the corner-stone of the capitol, on 
the northeast corner of the building. This was authorized by 
the United States Geological Survey, which, through its engineer, 
Mr. W. Carvel Hall, obtained permission from Governor Carr, 
in 1876, to make a permanent record of this fact in the manner 
above mentioned. 

THE FIRST STATE=HOUSE, OR CAPITOL 

The proceeds of the sale of 1792 were used in building the 
first State-house; the more ambitious term, ''capitol," was not 
adopted until 1832. In N"overaber, 1794, the General Assembly 
met in it for the first time. Richard Dobbs Spaight was then 
Governor. He was killed in a duel eight years thereafter by 
John Stanly. 

The old State-house was smaller than the present structure, 
but the arrangement of the interior was about the same. The 
exterior was very plain. It was built of brick made at the State 
brick-yards, which were situated on the northwest and southwest 
corners of Harrington and Hargett streets. These sites had 
been reserved for that purpose at the original sale of lots. 

It was intended that the State-house (as it was then called in 
the act of Assembly — a name taken from the United States of 
Holland) should front toward the east — "Orientalization" at 
4 



50 HISTORICAL RALEIGH 



Womble & Paul 

Merchant Tailors 



ROCKY MOUNT, N. C. 



RUFUS R. WOMBLE JAS. J. PAUL 



Moore's Electric Shoe Shop 

104 East Hargett Street, Near Corner Wilmington Street 

MAKES OLD SHOES LOOK NEW 

Quickest, Neatest and Best 

Best workmanship and materials that can be secured. Prices reasonable. 
MAKING OF SHOES TO ORDER A SPECIALTY. 
"Promptness" is our motto. 

All Our Work Done b^ the Goodyear Welt System 
CALL CAPITAL CITY PHONE No. 719 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 51 

that time being in favor. It was therefore built so as to look 
down New Bern Avenue in one direction and Hillsboro Street 
towards the west. This was continued when the present stone 
structure replaced the old. The same supposed necessity to 
front towards Jerusalem, says Dr. Kemp Battle, prompted the 
eminent French engineer, with the assent of Washington and 
other great officers, to plan the city of "Washington with the 
capitol looking eastward. 

As there was no other public hall in the city, it is said the 
authorities were generous in opening the passages for the State- 
house below and halls above for Fourth of July dinners, theatri- 
cal performances, balls, and foi; religious services of all denomi- 
nations. 

For the purpose of improving the State-house, in 1819 five 
commissioners Avere appointed to sell all the public lands remain- 
ing unsold, except a tract not exceeding twenty acres, to be re- 
served for the rock quarry, and except the reservations at the 
corners of the city. The "Mordecai Grove," as it was called for 
many years, northeast of the city limits, owing to the spirited 
competition between Moses Mordecai, the successful bidder, and 
Col. William Polk, brought the unheard-of price of $100 per 
acre. The lots near the city, on the east and southeast, averaged 
about $50 per acre. 

The improvements were designed by and executed under the 
supervision of Capt. William Nichols (who had been recently 
appointed State Architect), and completed early in the summer 
of 1822. He was a skillful and experienced artist, and made the 
public greatly his debtor for decided impulse given to archi- 
tectural improvements throughout the State, in private as well 
as in public edifices. The construction of the dome, the erection 
of the east and west porticoes, the additional elevation and cover- 
ing of stucco given to the dingy exterior walls, the improvement 
of the interior, and especially the location of the statue of Wash- 
ington, from the chisel of Canova, directly under the apex of the 
dome, converted the renovated capitol into a sightly and most 
attractive edifice. There were but few of the better class of 
travelers who did not pause on their passage through Raleigh to 
behold and admire it. 



52 HISTORICAL RALEIGH 



BOOKS STATIONERY 

Pescud's Bookstore 

POST CARDS 
PERIODICALS 

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO CALL 

JNO. C. DREWRY, President W. J. ANDREWS. Vice-President 
T. E. GREEN, Secretary-Treasurer 

The Raleigh Furniture Company 

DEALERS IN 

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OUR SPECIALTY: 

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F. W. Parker Drii^ Co. 

Prescription Druggists 

and Seedsmen 

CORNER MARTIN AND WILMINGTON STREETS 

Capital City Phone 1105 
RaleiKh Phone 267 

RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 53 

ERECTION OF THE GOVERNOR'S "PALACE," 
OR MANSION 

The main body of the six hundred acres of land, retained after 
the first sale, lay to the east of Kaleigh. There were fragments 
lying to the south, west, and north of the old corporate limits. 
For the purpose of providing better accommodations for the 
Governor, who had occupied a plain residence of wood on the 
lot where the Raleigh Banking and Trust Company now stands, 
the General Assembly of 1813 ordered the sale of those portions 
described as extending from Suggs' Branch, on the southeast of 
the city, all south around the Palace lot and west to the extreme 
northwest of the city, comprising about one hundred and eighty- 
four acres. The prices paid were low, for the reason that the 
War of 1812 was then raging. Eight acres at the foot of Fay- 
etteville Street were reserved for the Governor's Palace. Other 
reservations were the Eex Spring, near the Raleigh & Gaston 
(now the Seaboard shops) depot; the spring near the present 
Governor's Mansion, and that near the Colored Deaf and Dumb 
Institution. 

At this sale, John Rex, the philanthropist, bought for $481 
fifteen and a half acres of land in the southwest part of the city, 
afterwards devised by him, with other property, for a hospital 
for the sick and afflicted poor of the city. 

The proceeds of the sale were devoted to the building, under 
the superintendence of one Calder, as architect, of the Governor's 
Palace, at the foot of Fayetteville Street, which was afterwards, 
in 1876, sold to the City of Raleigh, and the brick composing it 
used in the construction of the Centennial Graded School. Al- 
though outwardly plain and inwardly uncomfortable, it was con- 
sidered "grand'' on account of the magnitude of its halls and 
chambers, and was therefore in imitation of Tryon's residence, 
in New Bern, styled "The Palace." The first occupant was Gov- 
ernor William Miller, of Warren. 

Until 1794 the chief executive was not required to reside in 
Raleigh, but in that year the General Assembly required Ashe 
and future Governors to spend at least six months within its 
limits, exclusive of the time occupied by the General Assembly, 



54 HISTORICAL KALEIGH 



DR. ERNEST H. BROUGHTON 

Dental Surgeon 

Office: 116 Fayetteville Street RALEIGH, N. C. 

J. P. HAYES 

113j Fayetteville Street 

Made of anything, anywhere. Have him make them for you and 
"SAVE THE DIFFERENCE" 

PRICES MODERATE 

COPYING OLD PHOTOS A SPECIALTY 

W. T. TERRY 

TERRY, THE "STAMP MAN' 

MANUFACTURER OF 

All Kinds Rubber Stamps, Daters, 
Ink Pads, Etc. 

SEND FOR CATALOGUE 

Hollcman Building, 2IO2 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, N. C. 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COVNTY 55 

and ordered that they should advertise the period of their 
sojourn in all the gazettes (newspapers) of the State. Four 
years later, in 1798, when Davie was Governor, an act was passed 
(doubtless with his approval, since he had purchased eligible 
city lots), requiring the Governor to make the city of Raleigh 
his "place of common residence." Whenever he should wish to 
leave his home for over ten days, he was required to give notice 
by advertisement in the gazettes, and his private secretary was 
required to keep the Executive office open during his absence. 
Until 1835 the Governor was elected by the General Assembly. 

BURNING OF THE STATE=HOUSE 

On the morning of a bright summer day, the 21st of June, 
1831, the citizens, rising from their breakfasts, were startled 
by the cry of *'Fire !" Volumes of smoke were then seen issuing 
from the ventilators under the roof of the capitol, where a fire 
had been kindled by the carelessness of a workman. There was 
ample time for saving most of the State papers, but all the acts 
of Assembly were destroyed. In the excitement, although there 
were numerous willing hands, their strength could not be organ- 
ized for removing the ponderous Washington statue. Old citi- 
zens, it is said, never forgot their horror as they gazed on the 
beautiful marble, white-hot and crumbling, enveloped in the 
forked tongues of flame, that shattered into fragments as the 
blazing timbers fell. Portions of the statue, including the body 
and some of the pedestal, are noAv preserved in the State 
Museum. 

This statue was of carara marble and was brought by water 
to Fayetteville, and thence by mule power to Raleigh. It is said 
to have been escorted into the city in grand style by the "Raleigh 
Blues," the first military company organized at the capital. 

An exact reproduction of this statue, in plaster, is now in the 
capitol, situated in the hallway of the east wing of the building. 
It was made from the original model in the Canova Museum, 
Italy, and presented to the ISTorth Carolina Historical Commis- 
sion in 1912. 



56 HISTORICAL RALEIGH 



LACK OF OXYGEN 



Is the cause of sickness. Your body is burdened witli waste 
matter tliat clogs tlie circulation and iwisons the blood. 

Rheumatism, Constipation, Catarrh, Appendicitis aud all 
other acute and chronic diseases are traceable directly to im- 
pure blood. 

Why is it so necessary to constantly breathe Oxygen if it 
is not to purify the blood? Did you ever think of that? 




Oxypathy makes new use of old principles. 

It dissolves aud throws out those impurities aud so makes 
you well again — ^solely by the use of OXYGEN. 

Used exclusively by one of the largest drugless Institutes 
in England. Leading doctors both in Europe and America 
are becoming enthusiastic endorsers of it. 

Any bright person can get the benefits of Oxypathy. 

"The Royal Road to Health" 

Tells things you should know. Send for your Free Copy 
today. 

Carolina Oxypathor Co. 

124 West Martin Street. 
RALEIGH, N. C. 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 0( 

The magnificent oil painting of George Washington which 
now hangs on the eastern wall of the House of Representatives 
was in the burning building and the only valuable that was res- 
cued from the flames. 

From the time of the burning of the State-house until the 
erection of the capitol, the sessions of the General Assembly were 
usually held in the Governor's Palace. 

The handsome bronze statue of Washington which stands at 
the south front of the capitol, was erected in 1857. Other memo- 
rials in the Capitol Park are the bronze statues of Zebulon B. 
Vance, Worth Bagley, the first oificer to lay down his life for the 
Stars and Stripes in the Spanish- American War ; Charles Dun- 
can Mclver, North Carolina's famous educator, and Henry L. 
Wyatt, the hero of the Battle of Bethel— the first soldier killed 
in the Civil War. 

In the rotunda of the capital are marble busts of four of North 
Carolina's distinguished sons, as follows : 

Samuel Johnson, 1733-1816. 

John M. Morehead, 1796-1866. 

William A. Graham, 1804-1875. 

M. W. Eansom, 1826-1904. 

ERECTION OF A NEW CAPITOL 

The narrow escape from losing the archives of the State, 
experienced in the burning of the first capitol, determined the 
leaders of public opinion to provide the present noble fire-proof 
structure of granite. There was formidable opposition to a 
liberal appropriation. A convention was expected to be called 
in order to secure changes in the Constitution, and the effort to 
have the seat of government at another point was resumed. 
Tradition says that Haywood, at the junction of the Cape Fear 
and Haw, lacked only one vote to defeat Raleigh. The record 
does not support this, as the bill to appropriate $50,000 for 
rebuilding on the old site passed by 73 to 60 in the House and 
35 to 28 in the Senate. 



58 HISTORICAL KALEIGH 



JAS. I. JOHNSON 
New Drug Store 




106 WEST MARTIN STREET, NEXT TO BLAND HOTEL 



DIRECT ROUTE FROM DEPOT 
TO BUSINESS CENTER OF CITY 



SANITAR Y 
FOUNTAIN 



BEST OF EVERYTHING KEPT IN 
FIRST-CLASS DRUGSTORES 

Stop in and See Me When You 
Come to the City 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 



59 



In considering the amount it should appropriate for rebuild- 
ing the capitol, the General Assembly at first thought $50,000 
quite sufficient, and that was the amount appropriated. The 
commissioners having charge of the erection of the building 
soon discovered this amount would barely pay for the completion 
of the foundation alone. They accordingly expended the entire 
sum, although apparently there was no warrant of law for so 
doing. However, the act granting the new appropriation was 




MOUSE IN WHICH ANDREW JOHNSON WAS BORN. AND NOW STANDING IN 

PULLEN PARK. 

construed in favor of their action, and sufiicient additional sums, 
amounting in the aggregate to $530,684.15, were appropriated to 
complete one of the most imposing edifices of the kind to be 
found anywhere, at that time at least, in the United States. 

Two architects were consulted — William Nichols (who re- 
paired the old building in 1820) and Ithiel Town, of New York. 



60 HISTORICAL RALEIGH 



Buy Your Clothing, Shoes, Hats and 
FuruishiniJs at the 

Globe Clothing Company 

RELIABLE OUTFITTERS 

Corner Wilmington Street and Exchange Place 
RALEIGH, N. C. 

CHAS. KOHN, President SOL. JACOBS, Sec. and Treas. 

R. E. PRINCE 

REAL ESTATE 

FARM LANDS MY SPECIALTY 

301 Tucker Building RALEIGH, N. C. 

JOHN W. EVANS' SON 

BUILDS AND REPAIRS VEHICLES 
OF ALL KINDS 

CORNER MORGAN AND ItLOUNT STREETS 
RALEIGH, N. C. 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COrNTY 61 

The latter acted for a short while as the chief director, but soon 
his services were dispensed with, and the work was left to W. S. 
Drummond, Col. Thomas Bragg, father of Governor Bragg, and 
David Baton, superintendents of different branches. Baton was 
the chief draughtsman. Of the skilled laborers employed from 
time to time, some settled in Raleigh, and many of their descend- 
ants are among our best citizens to-day. 

William Stronach, father of Messrs. Frank and the late 
Geo. T., Alex. B., and "Wm. C. Stronach, was the contractor 
for the foundation. Batrick McGowan, at that time working at 
his trade as a stonemason, was also engaged on the work. Silas 
Burns, who for many years was the proprietor of the only 
foundry here, was later given the contract for constructing the 
iron fence. This last was removed in 1898 and now encloses the 
old City Cemetery. 

The new building was completed in 1840. It is 160 feet in 
length, from north to south, by 140 feet from east to west. The 
whole height is 97^2 f^et in the centre. The apex of pediment 
is 64 feet in height. The stylobate is 18 feet in height. The 
colunms of the east and west porticoes are 5 feet 2Vii inches in 
diameter. An entablature, including blocking course, is con- 
tinued around the building, 12 feet high. 

The column and entablature are Grecian Doric and copied 
from the Temple of Minerva, commonly called the Barthenon, 
which was erected in Athens about 500 years before Christ. An 
octagon tower surrounds the rotunda, which is ornamented with 
Grecian cornice, etc., and its dome is decorated at the top with a 
similar ornament to that of the Choragic Monument of Lysic- 
rates, commonly called the Lanthorn of Demosthenes. 

Governor Swain, who was then chief magistrate, laid the cor- 
ner-stone on July 4, 1833. 

Note. — In the preparation of some of the foregoing articles the 
author has availed himself of the several very able and interesting 
]iapers heretofore pnlilished from the pen of Hon. Kemp P. Battle, 
to whom he desires, in this manner, to return thanks for the per- 
mission so generously granted. 



62 



HISTORICAL RALEIGH 



Baptist Book Store Company 

RALEIGH. N. C. 

Booksellers and Stationers 

Office Furniture and Stationery Supplies; Vertical Letter 
Filing' Cabinets; Loose Leaf Devices, Supplies and Account- 
ing Systems; New and Popular Fiction; Popular Priced Edi- 
tion of Copyright Fiction; New and Popular Illustrated Gift 
Books; Popular Edition of the Poets. 

OFFICE AND SCHOOL SUPPLIES 



G. A. STRICKLAND 

FUNERAL DIRECTOR AND EMBALMER 



Raleigh 

Phone 

3404 

128-130 

East 
Morgan 
Street 




Capital 
City 
Phone 
705 

Services 

Night 

and Day 



JOHN E. BRIDGERS CO., Inc. 

(John E. Bridgers and Edgar L. Bridgers) 

MERCHAINT TAILORS 

Capital City Phone 386 

YARBOROUGH HOTEL BUILDING, RALEIGH, N. C. 

Full Line Imported and 

Domestic Woolens 

ALL SUITS MADE IN OUR OWN SHOP 
SIXTEEN YEARS IN BUSINESS 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 63 

FIRST CITY GOVERNMENT 

The first act for the government of the city was passed Feb- 
ruary 7, 1795. The act did not vest the control of the city with 
its citizens, seven appointees of the General Assembly, styled 
Commissioners (the usual name for public agents appointed for 
special purposes), being vested with the government for three 
years. When their term was about to expire, in 1797, it Avas 
renewed. In 1801 there was a similar renewal, and three others 
were appointed "as additional and permanent Commissioners." 
Only in case of death, refusal or resignation could the citizens 
have a vote to fill the vacancy. These Commissioners were 
vested with the right to make laws for the government of the 
city, and also to choose an intendant of police, charged with the 
execution of the laAvs, and also a treasurer, out of their number, 
to hold office for one year, and a clerk, to hold during good 
behavior. The intendant held his office indefinitely, as did the 
Commissioners. JSTone of these officers were required to be resi- 
dents of the city, and some of them are known not to have been 
such. Raleigh, therefore, for the first few years of its life, was 
very far from being free. JSTo evil, however, resulted to the 
people from this long withholding of their freedom, because the 
Commissioners were men of wisdom and fairness. They were 
John Haywood, Dugald McKeethan, John Marshall, John 
Rogers, John Pain, James Mares and John Craven, who were 
properly the first city fathers. Those added in 1797 were 
Joshua Sugg, William Polk and Theophilus Hunter. John 
Rogers was a member of the Legislature from Wake and was a 
nonresident. Joshua Sugg, William Polk and Theophilus Hun- 
ter, though owners of lots in the corporate limits, did not reside 
therein. 

John Haywood, who was elected by them intendent of police, 
was the first chief executive officer. It was not until 1803, 
eleven years after the sale of lots, that, in the judgment of the 
General Assembly, the city was sufficiently populous to supply 
officers whose homes must be in the city. A regular cuarter was 
granted. The Commissioners, seven in number, as well as the 



64 HISTORICAL RALEIGH 



S. H. DWORSKY, President M. DWORSKY. Secretary-Treasurer 

Capital Loan Company 

PAWNBROKERS 

SALES STORE 




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207 South Wilmington Street RALEJGH, NORTH CAROLINA 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 



65 



intendant of police, were to be elected by freemen baving the 
qualifications of residence and of owning land within the city. 
Free negroes were included among the freemen. 

The title of Mayor was not adopted until 1856. The title of 
Commissioners gave way to that of Aldermen in 1875. 

The Commissioners claimed the right to force the citizens to 
patrol the city at night, distributing them for the purpose into 
twenty classes, of six each, one of the number being captain. 
"When the public mind was disturbed by frantic terrors of insur- 
rections among the slaves, as it was during the alleged insurrec- 
tion headed by Frank Sumner in 1802, and the Nat Turner 
atrocities of 1831, there was no difficulty in procuring efficient 
action by this unpaid police. But in tranquil times the penalty 
of one dollar fine for nonattendance, authorized in 1814, be- 
came necessary. It was the fashion, however, to avoid the 
penalty by hiring substitutes, some men almost making a living 
by taking the places of sleep-loving principals. Slaves not on 
their owners' premises were required to have written "passes," 
as they were called, after a designated early hour of the night, 
on the penalty of receiving a whipping for the lack thereof, and 
also of being locked up if their behavior led to suspicion or 
crime. The adventures of the night-watch and their morning 
report were a notable part of the gossip of the community. 
There were no policemen or day watchmen at all; one man, 
called the constable, being regarded sufficient to keep order dm*- 
ing the day. 

The city comprised but three wards until the General Assem- 
bly of 1874-'75 divided it into five. This continued until 1895, 
when it was changed to four. 

The following have been the chief officers of the city, either 
as intendants of police or mayor, as the case may be: John 
Haywood, William White, William Hill, Dr. Calvin Jones, John 
Marshall, John S. Robeteau, Sterling Yancey, Joseph Gales, 
Weston R. Gales, William C. Carrington, Thomas Loring, Wil- 
liam Dallas Haywood, William H. Harrison, C. B. Root, Wes- 
ley Whitaker, Joseph W. Holden, John C. Gorman, Joseph H. 
Separk (father of Mr. W. G. Separk, proprietor Baptist Book 
5 



66 HISTORICAL RALEIGH 

Store, and Mr. Charles A. Separk), Basil C. Manly, W. H. 
Dodcl, Alf. A. Thompson, Thomas Badger, W. M. Russ, A. M. 
Powell, J. S. Wynne. James I. Johnson is the present very 
efficient incumbent, the title of the office being now, under the 
Commission Form of Government, Mayor and- Commissioner of 
Finance. 

John Haywood (father of the late Dr. E. Burke Haywood) 
was the only intendant elected by the Commissioners. The first 
intendant to be elected by the people was William White, who 
was chosen to that office in 1803. He was born in 1762 ; died in 
1811. William Hill was the next incumbent, and was born in 
Surry County in 1773 ; he died in 1857. 

DEATH OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 

The sad news of the death of ex-President George Washing- 
ton, which occurred on the 14th December, 1799, Avas announced 
in The Raleigh Register of January 7, 1800, the first informa- 
tion the people had received of this mournful event. It is a 
little singular, though, that, aside from a respectful announce- 
ment and a brief reference to his Christian virtues, comprising 
about twenty lines. The Register was silent. In its issue of 
January 21st, however, we find that a meeting of the inhabit- 
ants of the city had been held "for the purpose of agreeing upon 
some mode of paying suitable respects to the memory of the late 
illustrious Washington," and that it was "resolved that a pro- 
cession shall take place and an oration be delivered at the State- 
house on the 22d of February, the birthday of the deceased." 
It was requested of all who should join the procession that they 
wear as a badge of mourning a piece of black crepe or ribbon on 
the left arm. 

On February 22d, pursuant to the resolutions theretofore 
adopted, the inhabitants and others, numbering nearly one thou- 
sand, assembled at the court-house and moved in procession to 
the State-house to observe suitable memorial ceremonies. These 
consisted of prayer, the singing of a Psalm, and the delivery of 
an oration, the last mentioned by Maj. Robert Williams. 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 67 

"The solemn services of the day heing thus finished," said The 
Register of a later date, "the citizens retired to their respective 
homes, manifesting by their sorrowful and dejected mien the 
irreparable loss all sustain in this first of patriots, best of 
friends, and founder of their country's greatness." 

EARLY SETTLERS OR INHABITANTS, THEIR WORK AND 
THEIR DESCENDANTS 

"To be faithful to ovirselves we must keep both our ancestors and 
our posterity withiu reach and grasp of our thoughts and affections- 
living in the memory and retrospect in the past, and hoping with 
affection and care for those who are to come after us." — Daniel 
Webster. 

Among the most illustrious men of Raleigh's early history 
who honored it with their residence and gave to the city and 
State the benefit of their Avise counsel, and some of whose de- 
scendants are living among us now, were: James F. Taylor 
(father of the late James Fontleroy Taylor), elected Attorney- 
General in 1825; Joseph Gales, founder of The Raleigh Regis- 
ter; William Boylan, editor and publisher of The Minerva; 
Moses Mordecai, a distinguished lawyer, who died at the early 
age of twenty-nine years ; John H. Bryan, who represented this 
district in Congress in 1823; R. M. Saunders, a distinguished 
lawyer and statesman, who died in 1866; William H. Haywood, 
elected United States Senator in 1842 ; George E. Badger, Sec- 
retary of the Navy in 1842 ; William Hill, Secretary of State ; 
Maj. Charles L. Hinton, and many others whose names are not 
now recalled. 

Joseph Gales was the great-grandfather of Mr. Charles Root 
and of Mrs. W. B. Jones, nee Miss Mary Seaton Hay. W. B. 
Jones is a prominent attorney of the Raleigh Bar. 

William Boylan was the grandfather of Mr. William Boylan 
and Mrs. Elizabeth McC. Snow. Mrs. Snow is the mother of 
William B. Snow, a leading member of the Raleigh Bar. 

Moses Mordecai was the father of Samuel F. Mordecai, Esq., 



68 HISTORICAT. RALEIGH 

dean of the Law School of Trinity College. He stands in the 
front rank of North Carolina jurists. 

John H. Bryan Avas the grandfather of J. Bryan Grimes, Esq., 
Secretary of State, and of Mr. Andrew Syme, a prominent and 
popular citizen of Raleigh, who occupies the responsible position 
as traveling agent of the Seaboard Air Line Railway. 

Among the descendants of Lion. George E. Badger were 
Richard H. and Thomas Badger, both deceased. Richard 
Badger was a profound jurist of note. Thomas Badger was 
mayor of the city of Raleigh for many years. He was the 
father of Mrs. Benjamin M. Moore and Miss Jeannette Badger, 
of Raleigh, and Mr. Thomas Badger, a prominent business man 
of Fayetteville, N. C. 

The earliest merchants were W. & J. Peace, Thomas Burch, 
William Peck, John Scott, Robert Galium, William Shaw, James 
McKee, and Lewis & Muse. After the town had jogged along 
for a full decade, John Stuart, James Coman, the Shaws, J. S. 
Robeteau, J. D. Newsom, Alfred Jones, R. & W. Harrison, 
Richard Smith, B. B. Smith, and S. Birdsall had joined the 
mercantile ranks. Among these was Ruffin Tucker, father of 
the late Maj. R. S. Tucker, who began life as a clerk in the store 
of Southy Bond, in 1815, at a salary of $25 per year. In 1818, 
in connection with his brother, William C. Tucker (who was a 
printer and had worked for Colonel Henderson in the office of 
The Raleigh Star), he opened a store, Avith a cash capital of 
$125, in a frame building of moderate dimensions on the site 
of the store now occupied by Messrs. Dobbin & Ferrall. All of 
the stores were then on Fayetteville Street and constructed of 
wood. 

William Peace, above mentioned, was the principal instru- 
ment, because of his large contributions to the object of his 
benefactions, in the founding of Peace Institute, the widely and 
favorably known institution of learning at the capital, named 
in honor of his memory. 

John Stuart is said to have been among the earlier citizens of 
prominence. Lie married Llannah Paddison, and a number of 
their descendants are living among us to-dav. Of these are 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 



69 



Miss Hannah Coley, a member of tlie faculty of Peace Institute, 
and Mrs. Walter Edwards, of Ealeigli, granddaughters of John 
and Hannah Stuart. 

One of the earlier city fathers was William Polk, always 
called Col. William Polk, who built what was a grand residence 
in those days, just out of the city limits, fronting Blount Street. 
Later, in 1872, this house, after being owned by Hon. Kenneth 
Rayner for many years, was moved to one side to allow for the 
extension of Blount Street. 

John Rex, the founder of Rex Hospital, was one of the earlier 
citizens. He was said to be a grave, sedate, quiet, retiring, 
modest man, and accumulated a handsome fortune, which he 
bequeathed to the endowment of the hospital here bearing his 
name. He died in 1839, aged seventy-four years. 

David Royster was also among the earlier residents. He was 
born in Mecklenburg County, Va., in 1777, and came to Raleigh 
in 1801. His business was that of a cabinet-maker, which he 
conducted for more than sixty years, on the corner of Hargett 
and Blomit streets. He was a man of sterling character and 
held high in public esteem. His death occurred in 1865, when 
in his eighty-ninth year. One of his sons was the late David L. 
Royster, a prominent citizen in his day, and at one period a 
leading bviilding contractor. In early life he married Miss 
Sarah Womble, daughter of Jordon Womble, of Raleigh. Sur- 
viving Mr. and Mrs. Royster are Mr. Vitruvius Royster, the 
very efficient veteran assistant clerk of the Superior Court ; Miss 
Gertrude Royster, director physical education in Meredith Col- 
lege; Mrs. G. E. Iden, Mrs. K. W. Merritt, and Miss Mellie 
Royster. 

Another son of David Royster was the late James D. Royster, 
a man of rare intelligence, also prominently identified in his time 
with the city and its interests. The older citizens remember him 
as a man upon whose judgment they could safely rely, and in 
matters of public interest his opinion was always valuable. He 
was the father of Dr. Wisconsin I. Royster, whose eminence as 
a physician, as well as a man of profound learning, is as wide as 
the State which delights to claim him as its worthy son, and the 



70 



HISTORICAL RALEIGH 



grandfa-tlier of Dr. Hubert A. Royster and Prof. James F. Roys- 
ter, the latter professor of English in the State University. 
Dr. Hubert Royster enjoys the enviable distinction of being one 
of the most learned and skillful surgeons ever in practise at the 
State capital. His reputation is State-wide. Mr. Vermont C. 
Royster (proprietor of the firm of A. D. Royster & Bro.), one 
of the capital city's most prominent citizens, and a gentleman of 
superior scholarly attainments, is also a son of James D. Roys- 
ter. 

Among the descendants of David Royster are Miss Edith 
Royster, j^rominent in educational circles of the State and assist- 
ant superintendent public instruction of Wake ; Prof. V'ernon 
Howell, professor of chemistry at the State University, and Mr. 
H. H. Crocker, a leading and influential citizen of Raleigh, and 
chief clerk to the sheriff (J. H. Sears) of Wake. Mr. Crocker 
is a son of Alsey and Mary D. Crocker ; his mother was a daugh- 
ter of David Royster. 

W. T. Bain, whose name is so prominently associated with 
Masonic history, was also intimately connected with the early 
times of Raleigh. A man of purer heart and more charitable 
disposition our people had never known. He was born in 1793, 
and died in 1867, aged seventy-four years. The late Donald W. 
Bain was his honored son. 

Frank P. Haywood, who passed away in 1900, before his 
death was Raleigh's oldest inhabitant. He was born here in 
1810 and was one of Dr. McPheeters' pupils at the Raleigh 
Academy, the only school here in the early part of the century. 
Mr. Haywood was a gentle and kiiid-liearted man and beloved 
by a wide circle of friends. He Avas the father of Mr. Frank P. 
Haywood, of the Citizens Xational Bank. 

John J. Briggs, father of the late Thomas H. Briggs, became 
identified with Raleigh in its early history, both industrially and 
religiously. He was a leading builder and prominent as one of 
the founders of the Baptist Church. 

Jacob Johnson should be remembered, too, for he was the 
trusted janitor of the Bank of the State and conspicuous in the 
history of Raleigh, because he was the father of a President of 
the United States — Andrew Johnson. 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 71 

"W. H. Williams, in 1812, kept an apothecary (as drug stores 
were then termed, after the custom in England), and advertised 
that he "solicits a continuance of public patronage, either in the 
common way of making an apothecary of one's stomach, or upon 
the new plan of no cure no pay," and adds that "the honest, tem- 
perate and industrious poor would be granted favors if desired." 

Others who had opened business by this time were Benjamin 
S. King, William Wliite, John G. Morehead, and William W. 
Taylo.-r 

Dr. F. J. Haywood, the elder, was one of the earlier inhabit- 
ants. He was born in Raleigh in 1803. No man in his day was 
more identified witli the general welfare of the people or who 
contributed more to their substantial good than the late Dr. 
F. J. Haywood. In the practice of his profession he became one 
of the most eminent physicians in the State. His character and 
ability as a medical man was no greater, however, than that 
which he sustained in his private relations, for in these he was 
distinguished as one who revered the golden rule and who never 
turned a deaf ear to the cry of the distressed, from whatever 
source it was heard. He married, in 1831, Martha Helen Whita- 
ker. She passed away on the 22d of July, 1902. She had many 
warm friends, especially among the older inhabitants. At her 
death she was ninety-one years of age. 

Randolph Webb's apothecary was established about 1820, on 
the corner of Fayetteville and Hargett streets. Subsequently the 
proprietors were Alfred Williams and Dr. F. J. Haywood. Dur- 
ing the continuance of this firm, in 1836, Mr. J. Ruffin Wil- 
liams, then a youth of sixteen years, entered the store as clerk, 
continuing as such for several years, until 1840, when he became 
one of the proprietors with his brother and Dr. Haywood. This 
business had the longest existence of any firm ever established in 
Raleigh. Dr. Haywood was the father of the late Dr. F. J. 
Haywood. Mr. Williams was the father of Mr. Robert I. Wil- 
liams, one of the capital city's well-known druggists. 

One of the best-known men to the older inhabitants of Raleigh 
was Dr. Thomas D. Hogg. He was the pioneer in many useful 
enterprises inaugurated here and in the State, although some of 



72 HISTORICAL RALEIGH 

them lie did not carry beyond the experimental stage. Dr. Hogg 
was thoroughly familiar with a great many scientific subjects, 
of a practical nature, and took the keenest interest in all the 
great economic questions or problems of general importance. 
In aiding the Raleigh & Gaston Railroad Company at a critical 
period, and ]ierforming a like service for the Wilmington & Wel- 
don Railroad Company, he rendered the State valuable services. 
The same is true of his connection with the erection of the Cen- 
tral Hospital for the Insane, and of the duties discharged by him 
as an inspector of the North Carolina Railroad. 

J. J. Christophers, who was born in 1803, in his lifetime was 
a man of much prominence and usefulness. He filled the office 
of city clerk for a great number of years, and at one time was 
the owner of an entire square of real estate in the eastern sec- 
tion of the city. He lived to be ninety-one years of age. He 
was the father of Mr. Charles D. Christophers, of Raleigh. 

Edmund B. Freeman was an early resident of the capital city, 
where he was a leading citizen and identified with the material 
and moral welfare of its people. He was a native of Massachu- 
setts, born in 1796. His first wife was a sister of Albert Stith, 
a merchant of Raleigh in the forties. Mr. Freeman was the 
grandfather of Mr. Hampden F. Smith, who, until a few years 
since, was prominently connected with Raleigh's municipal gov- 
ernment, but is now a stock broker of ISTew York, 

Jacob Marling was another early resident. He had some local 
celebrity as a portrait and landscape painter. A specimen of 
his work is now in the State Library, loaned for exhibition by 
the late Dr. F. J. Haywood. It is a representation of the capitol 
as it was previous to its destruction by fire in 1831. Mrs. Mar- 
ling kept a millinery store on Fayetteville Street, in the building 
occu]>ied by A. D. Royster & Bro. 

In company with his father, Henry J. Brown came to Ra- 
leigh and located here in 1826. He was then fifteen years of 
age. Ten years later he embarked in the furniture and under- 
taking business. This he conducted with much success until his 
deatli, in 1879. A more devout, godly man and upright citizen 
was never a resident of Raleigh. He married in early life Lydia 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 73 

Lane, a descendant of Col. Joel Lane. Mr. J. W. Brown, the 
well-known undertaker, and Joseph G. Brown, president of the 
Citizens National Bank, are his only living sons. 

In 1830 Jordan "Womble had opened his grocery store on Har- 
gett Street, which he conducted until a few years before his 
death, which occurred in 1891. He left many descendants, most 
of whom live in Raleigh. His eldest son, Jordan, was one of the 
most devout Christians and exemplary citizens that has ever 
lived in Raleigh, and his influence for good was incalculable. 
He was the father of Mr. John T. Womble, the popular and 
polite salesman at Dobbin & Ferrall's dry-goods store. 

The population in 1833 had grown to about 1,800. James 
Litchford was still the leading tailor, whose shop was near the 
rectory of Christ Church. C. D. Lehman had opened a drug 
store, and Weal Brown had found that Raleigh would support a 
"wool-hat" factory. The traveling public was thought to need 
better hotel accommodations, for Edward Rigsbee had opened 
the City Hotel. Wesley Whitaker was manufacturing pianos. 

J. E. Lumsden, who evidently believed that "cleanliness was 
next to godliness," was the proprietor of a bathing establish- 
ment, which he advertised would " kept open from sunrise till 
candle-light, and where hot and cold baths could be procured at 
reasonable rates." 

No man in Raleigh's history was more identified with its 
people and their interests than the late Charles B. Root. He 
was a native of Massachusetts, born in 1818, and located here in 
1837. After a brief residence he embarked in the jewelry and 
watchmaking business, which he conducted very successfully 
until 1860, when he then retired. He married, in 1848, Miss 
Anna F. Gales, daughter of Weston R. Gales and granddaughter 
of Joseph Gales, founder of The Raleigh Register. Mr. Root 
filled many places of honor and trust, among them the presi- 
dency of the Raleigh Gas Works, to which position he was 
elected in 1860. For several terms he was alderman, and during 
the Civil War was mayor, during which time he refused to 
accept any compensation whatsoever, choosing, rather — be it said 
to his credit — to devote the same to benevolent objects and pur- 



74: HISTORICAL RALEIGH 

poses. 1^0 man has ever lived among ns wlio was more beloved 
by our people tlian Charles B. Eoot. He lived to an advanced 
age, dying but a few years since. Mr. Charles Eoot, cashier of 
the Raleigh Savings Bank, is his only son ; Mrs. V. E. Turner 
(wife of the widely known dental surgeon) his only daughter. 

Richard Bullock Seawell was another prominent citizen in 
Raleigh's early history, and was contemporaneous with Henry 
W., George W., and Jacob Mordecai, descendants of Joel Lane. 
Mr. Seawell was the youngest son of Henry Seawell and 
Grizzelle Hinton Seawell, and was born in the Dr. Hogg resi- 
dence, on the northeast corner of Wilmington and Lane streets, 
May 26, 1818. He engaged extensively in agriculture the 
greater portion of his life, but, becoming embarrassed by the 
results of the Civil War, he surrendered his vast estate to the 
payment of his debts, and resided in Raleigh until his death, a 
few years ago. He was the father of Joseph L. Seawell, Esq., 
Clerk of the Supreme Court, and Mr. R. B. Seawell, the efficient 
Commissioner of Public Works of the City of Raleigh. 

E. R. Colburn Avas early identified with Raleigh, especially in 
an industrial capacity. He came here from Massachusetts in 
1833, as a stonemason, with a large number of others, to assist 
in rebuilding the capitol. Mr. Colburn was the father of Mrs. 
Ellen Seawell, Avidow of Mr. Richard Seawell. 

John Dunn at this period Avas the proprietor of the City 
Hotel, situated on Fayetteville Street, near the court-house. It 
had formerly been kept by Mrs. Jeter. 

Bockwith, Blake <fe Co., in 1834, were in the drug business, and 
William H. Grimme had opened a dry-goods and grocery store. 
Thomas Cobbs Avas a coachmaker, Avhose shop Avas on Edenton 
Street, near the Methodist Church. Mordecai & McKimmon, 
Dunn & Ligon, and Mead & Avery had been added to the list of 
dry-goods and grocery merchants, and James W. Jeffreys Avas 
running a stage line from Raleigh to Weldon. John C. Stedman 
was in the jeAvelry biisiness, Carter Jones had opened a military 
school, AAdiile MatthcAv Hardford Avas cutting and making gen- 
tlemen's clothing at prices "to suit llie times." W. C. & R. 
Tucker had dissolved copartnership by iiintual consent, and each 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 75 

brother was prosecuting a successful business on bis own ac- 
count. The first millinery store was then being conducted by 
Mrs. Andrews, while E. P. Guion, at the Guion Hotel, was 
advertising that he would "accommodate boarders for $120 a 
year." Mrs. Andrews was the mother of the late Ealph An- 
drews. 

In 1836 an obscure young man, who was destined to be the 
Governor of his native State, came to Raleigh to learn the art of 
printing. This was William W. Holden and his age eighteen 
years. He worked for several years in the office of the Star 
and Gazette, and boarded with one of the editors, Thomas J. 
Lemay. The latter lived on the corner of Harrington and Jones 
streets. In the language of Governor Holden himself, while so 
working he slept a whole winter in a log cabin, which was 
daubed "with mud, without any fire, even in the coldest weather. 
This cabin was on the opposite corner from Mr. Lemay's, on the 
site of the late residence of Mr. W. B. Hutchings. In 1843 
Mr. Holden purchased The Standard newspaper, in the editorial 
conduct of which he proved to be a writer having but few equals 
in the country. He was the father of Mrs. C. J. Cowles, Mrs. 
L. P. Olds, Mrs. Claudius J. Sherwood, Mrs. W. R. Henry and 
Mr. Charles C. Holden. His eldest son was Joseph W. Holden, 
who was Speaker of the jSTorth Carolina House of Representa- 
tives in 1868, 1869 and 1870, and enjoyed the reputation of 
being the most capable officer who had ever occupied that posi- 
tion in this State. He was afterwards elected Mayor of the City 
of Raleigh. He died at an early age and was undoubtedly one 
of the most talented men that the State has ever produced. His 
poem of "Hatteras" was written before he entered politics, and 
this piece of composition will live until the everlasting rocks of 
Cape Hatteras and time are no more. He died in 1875, aged 
thirty-one years. 

The leading business men in the early thirties were Ruffin 
Tucker, T. H. Selby, Joshua Lumsden, C. W. D. Hutchings, 
William T. Bain, Henry J. Brown, Henry Porter, Lewis W. 
Peck, Wesley Whitaker, Eldridge Smith, John G. Marshall, 
John Stuart, William W. Taylor, Benjamin S. King, and Wil- 



76 HISTORICAL RALEIGH 

liams & Hajnvood. John Primrose, fatlier of the late W. S. 
Primrose, was in the dry-goods business. Thomas B. Oliver kept 
a ready-made clothing house, James l^ewland a hoot and shoe 
store, and Bernard Dupuy conducted a jewelry business. Mr. 
Dupuy was succeeded by Mr. Charles B. Boot. 

At this period Henry I). Turner, a native of J^Tew England, 
had become a resident and leading business man. His store was 
at N'o. 1 Fayetteville Street, where for more than a quarter of a 
century he conducted a large book store, which soon gained a 
State-wide reputation. He inaugurated a system of conveying 
books over the State by means of Wagons especially adapted to 
the purpose. These wagons made regular visits to the University 
at Chapel Hill and other schools of the State, as well as bringing 
stock from distant markets to the city. In connection with his 
book store he established a printing and binding department, 
which was probably the first of any dimensions in the State. 
Mr. Turner was the original publisher of ''Turner's ISTorth Caro- 
lina Almanac," which he continued to issue until his death, 
which occurred in 1866. This almanac is now published by Mr. 
P. C. Ennis, of Baleigh, the title of the publication being "Tur- 
ner-Ennis Almanac." 

In 1840 the population was but 2,240. Among the tailors was 
T. B. Fentress, who had a shop near the Mechanics Savings 
Bank. T. C. Jones was the proprietor of a neAV house of enter- 
tainment, or tavern, at the northeast corner of the Capitol 
Square. Lawrence & Christophers (the latter the father of Mr. 
C. D. Christophers) were bakers. John H. DeCarteret had a 
book bindery. W. J. Bamsey had a jewelry store, and Mrs. Mar- 
tha Ann Bamsey was conducting a millinery store. 

The "Baleigh Guards," about this time, was the name of a 
flourishing military company; it was under the command of 
Captain Lucas. 

Dr. William H. McKee, fatlier of the late Dr. James McKee, 
had then secured his license to practice medicine, and advertised, 
offering his "professional services to the citizens of Baleigh and 
adjacent country." 

J. C. Bogers offered for sale or rent the Eagle Hotel, and said 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 'i i 

"few situations in the United States ( !) offer so fine a chance 
for profitable investment." 

Bartlett Upchnrch, in the early forties, came here to engage 
in the business of coach-making. He established a shop on East 
Hargett Street, where he continued to the time of his death, in 
1857. He was a brother of William C. Upchurch. 

Alfred Upchurch, brother of William C. and Bartlett Up- 
church, came later, and, after serving an apprenticeship in 
coach-making under his brother Bartlett, engaged in business 
for himself, which he continued Avith success throughout the 
greater part of his life. 

Cotemporaneous with the Upchurches were N. S. Harp and 
Peyton Williams, also coach-makers. Mr. Williams was the 
father of the late Patrick J. Williams and grandfather of Mr. 
Jesse R. Williams, of the prominent firm of Glenn & Williams, 
painters and decorators, of Raleigh. 

Among others remembered by the older inhabitants was W. J. 
Griffice, who kept a confectionery shop on the corner of Morgan 
and Salisbury streets. He came here in 1840. He was a devout 
man, a consistent member of Edenton Street Methodist Church, 
and had many friends. He Avas the first candy manufacturer 
Raleigh had ever known. 

The first bakery to be opened at the capital was that of 
George H. Tonnoffski, Avho located here in 1843. He was the 
father of Mr. George L. Tonnoffski, the very efficient deputy 
clerk of the United States District Court in Raleigh. 

At this period (the forties) Oliver & Proctor were conducting 
a tailoring business, and James Mclvimmon (father of Mr. 
Charles McKimmon, of the firm of McKimmon Dry Goods Com- 
pany), Alexander Creech, T. H. Selby, J. G. B. Roulhac, the 
Stiths, Samuel H. Young, Henry L. Evans, Heartt & Litchford, 
John Primrose, and James M. Towles were the leading dry- 
goods merchants. C. B. Root and Palmer & Ramsey Avere con- 
tinuing their jewelry business, while Turner & Hughes and 
W. L. Pomeroy were booksellers. W. G. Lougee Avas the pro- 
prietor of the only tinware business in Raleigh. 

Phil. Thiem and A. W. Fraps located in Raleigh in the late 



78 HISTORICAL RALEIGH 

fifties, coming here from (Termany. Mr. Tliiem opened a toy 
and confectionery store, which he conducted until the outhreak 
of the Civil War, when he engaged with Mr. Fraps in the manu- 
facture of munitions of war for the Confederate Government. 
In 1864 he married Miss Annie Brown, a daughter of Henry J. 
Brown. Mr. Thiem was a modest, retiring man, an honorable 
gentleman, and one whose friends were legion. He was a Mason 
and an Odd Fellow of prominence. 

Silas Burns was the first man to open an iron foundry in 
Ealeigh. He came here in the forties, and in his day proved 
himself a man of much usefulness to our people. The iron fence 
which until late years surrounded the capitol Avas moulded at his 
foundry. 

Euffin Tucker, in 1846, was still one of the leading merchants. 
W. H. H. Tucker, his eldest son, Avas then received by his father 
as a partner, and the firm of R. Tucker & Son conducted their 
aifairs with success until its dissolution by the death of the 
senior partner, on the 9th April, 1851, when W. H. H. Tucker 
united his two younger brothers, Rufus S. and the late Dr. 
J. J. W. Tucker, with him, the latter as a silent partner, under 
the name of W. H. & R. S. Tucker. Under this name they con- 
tinued their pursuits with undiminished energy, but Avith an 
unavoidable cessation of two years during the CiA'il War. After 
the death of the senior partner, W. H. H. Tucker, in 1882, Maj. 
E. S. Tucker continued the business until 1883, when he retired. 
The firm name of W. H. & E. S. Tucker no longer exists. 

A prominent resident of the old days Avas Maj. John Deve- 
reux, Avho Avas born in Raleigh in 1819. He Avas a son of Thomas 
P. Dcvcrcux, Esq., and was graduated Avith distinction at Yale 
College in 1840. During the Civil War he Avas Assistant Quar- 
termaster of State Troops, and to his skill and energy Avas due 
the fact, it is said, of N^orth Carolina soldiers having been better 
clothed and fed than any others of the Army of Northern Vir- 
ginia. In early life he married Margaret Mordecai, a descend- 
ant of Col. Joel Lane and a daughter of Moses Mordecai, Avho 
Avas a noted Ealeigh lawyer in his day. Major Devereux was an 
upright man. He died in April, 1893. 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 79 

Patrick G. Linelian was another old-time iiiliabitant. He set- 
tled among us in 1849. He was one of the sturdiest and most 
industrious of men, and in his lifetime proved of much useful- 
ness to the people. By trade he was a stonemason. He became 
largely interested in quarrying, and was the contractor for the 
masonry of many important enterprises, principally bridge 
building on the various lines of railroads in the State. An 
enduring monument to his skill was the foundation of the present 
post-office building, the corner-stone of which was laid in 1874, 
on which occasion Hon. John Nichols, then Grand Master 
Mason of the State, conducted the Masonic ceremonies. Mr. 
W. A. Linehan, of the popular clothing firm of the Cross & 
Linehan Company, is Mr. Linehan's eldest son. 

In 1845 another hotel was added to the number of houses of 
entertainment. This was the Washington Hotel. It was situ- 
ated on East Morgan Street, near Wilmington. At one time it 
was kept by Alfred Lewis, father of Mr. James J. Lewis, the 
well-known Confederate veteran. Subsequently this tavern 
passed under other management, but so disreputable did its 
cuisine become that it was afterwards known as the "Buttermilk 
Tavern." 

Wiley W. Johnson and John R. Harrison, in 1848, formed a 
copartnership for the manufacture of carriages, buggies and 
wagons. Their place of business was at the old Clark Shop, cor- 
ner of Morgan and McDowell streets. Afterwards Mr. Johnson 
continued the business alone on the site of the Trade Building, 
on Wilmington Street, and Mr. Harrison went into the manu- 
facture of cars for the North Carolina Railroad. His shop was 
immediately west of West Street. Later, Messrs. W. David 
Williams and 'N. S. Harp, John O'Rourke and Thomas Jenkins 
also embarked in the business of coach-making. 

The late James H. Enniss accompanied Peter F. Pescud from 
Petersburg here in 1844. Mr. Enniss for a long time was a 
clerk in the store of the Stiths. He afterwards made his home 
in Salisbury, but returned to Raleigh in 1869, where he resided 
until his death, in 1900. He was a man of very superior intelli- 
gence, and for a long time the publisher of the "North Carolina 



80 



HISTORICAL RALEIGH 



Almanac." He was the father of Mr. P. C. Ennis and Mrs. 
L. W. Bowden, of Kaleigh, 

John R. Whitakei', in 1844, had opened a dry-goods, hardware 
and grocery store, W. J. Clarke was practicing law, and "W. H. 
& C. Grinime were conducting a dry-goods and grocery store on 
the corner of Fayetteville and Ilargett streets. S. W. Whiting 
(father of Mr. Chester Whiting, of the well-known clothing 
firm of Whiting & Horton) was agent of the yEtna Fire Insur- 
ance Company. T. H. Snow had then been added to the list of 



■v'^^>S^, 




HENRY D. TURNER, AN EARLY liOOKStXLEK AND STATIONER. 

Fayetteville Street merchants, and James Litchford and Burbon 
Smith were conducting a tailoring business. C. C. Nelson was 
selling dry goods. 

The ''Raleigh Fire Company" was organized in 1844. Two of 
the officers were C. B. Root, captain; William C. Upchurch, 
treasurer. 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 81 

Henry Porter came among us about this time from his for- 
mer home in Sampson County, and opened a shoe-making busi- 
ness. Later, in 1852, he opened a boot and shoe store on Fayette- 
ville Street, which he conducted successfully for many years. 
Identified with the Methodist Church from his arrival here, he 
soon became a leader with its members, and is remembered by 
the older citizens as a very devout man. He was a prominent 
citizen and held in high esteem. Mr. Porter was the father of 
Mr. John Porter and the late Mrs. Martha Brewster. 

Other early inhabitants who deserve favorable mention in this 
connection, and who were contemporaneous with a number of 
those referred to above, were E. B. Thomas, Mordecai B. Bar- 
bee, Hugh W. Earp and William A. Lamb. Mr. Thomas came 
to Raleigh in the late fifties and taught "free" school in the 
''Western Ward" for a number of years. He was a devout 
Christian and faithful in all the relations of life. Mr. Barbee 
was a well-known justice of the peace for more than a quarter 
of a century. With Mr. Lamb and Mr. Earp he served in the 
Mexican War. 

W. G. Upchurch, a nephew of W. C. Upchurch, became a resi- 
dent of Raleigh in the early sixties. He devoted his energies to 
mercantile pursuits, and before his death was in the front rank 
of wholesale grocers and cotton brokers in Raleigh. He was the 
father of Messrs. Wm. G. and Delmar Upchurch, of Jackson- 
ville, Fla., and Dr. Harvey Upchurch, of l^few York. 

E. D. Haynes, a most worthy and industrious man, at the 
time of his death, in 1894, had been a resident for more than 
sixty years. He was a cabinet-maker, his first work being with 
the late H. J. Brown, who conducted a business of that charac- 
ter. Mr. Haynes was a good citizen, a very superior mechanic, 
and a high-toned, honorable gentleman. His widow, Mi*s. Susan 
(Royster) Haynes, who was a daughter of David Royster, be- 
fore mentioned, died recently. Mr. M. R. Haynes is her only 
surviving child. 

Some men are forgotten as soon as they die ; others leave evi- 
dences of good deeds, which continue to grow in the affections of 
the people as time passes. Of the latter class was J. Stanhope 



82 HISTORICAL RALEIGH 

Pullen, who was born here in 1822. During this good man's 
life he did as much, if not more, to make Kaleigh the beautiful 
and lovely city that it is to-day than any other of its citizens. 
He was one of the foremost promoters of the late improvements 
in the northeastern part of the city, gave to Raleigh the beauti- 
ful park that bears his name, and was a liberal contributor to 
many of the schools, charitable institutions and churches in the 
city. The good deeds of Mr. PuUen live after him, and his 
memory will be perpetuated in the history of the capital of his 
native State. He died in 1895, aged seventy-three years. He 
was an uncle of the well-known and much-beloved philanthropist, 
the late Mr. John T. Pullen. 

The valuable citizen is he who makes the greatest impress for 
good upon the community in which he lives. Thomas H. Briggs, 
who died in 1886, at the age of sixty-five, was one of those whose 
enterprise as a citizen and kind deeds as a Christian man entitle 
him to the fond remembrance of our whole people. He was the 
father of Messrs. Thomas H., James A., John D. and Fabius H. 
Briggs, and grandfather of Postmaster W. G. Briggs. 

Among other inhabitants who were identified with the early 
life of Raleigh was John R. Taylor. He was born in 1817 and 
lived in Raleigh since he Avas two years of age. At the time of 
his death he was eighty-five years of age. He remembered well 
Andrew Johnson, the tailor-President. He was a man of high 
integrity, and at one time was a man of property and influence. 
Mr. W. A. Taylor, the well-known Fayetteville Street tailor, 
himself a gentleman of exalted character, is his son. 

W. C. Upchurch was another citizen of the olden time. He 
came here in 1833, and shortly thereafter opened a grocery store 
on Hargett Street, near Wilmington, which he conducted with 
success during his whole business career, until 1887, when he 
retired. In the early part of his business life he was in copart- 
nership with the late W. H. Holleman. He died in 1906, at the 
age of ninety-two. His living descendants number nearly one 
hundred. Prominent among these are Police Justice William C 
Harris and Mr. Charles U. Harris, sons of the well-known law- 
yer. Col. J. C. L. Harris, who married Florence, Mr. Upchurch's 
youngest daughter. 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 88 

Maj. Moses A. Bledsoe, at his deatli, a few years ago, had 
been a resident of Raleigh since 1840, coming from Franklin 
County in that year. He married a Miss Hunter, a descendant 
of Theophilus Hunter, and before the Civil War was a man of 
much property and influence. Major Bledsoe and the late 
W. W. Vass were clerks in the late thirties in the store pf John 
Eaton in Henderson. 

Another well-known citizen of the olden time, and one who Avill 
be remembered by many of the older inhabitants, was W. M. 
Brown, a printer by trade. He was born here in 1825, in a log 
cabin which stood on the corner of Morgan and Person streets, 
in the period of Raleigh's history when framed or weather- 
boarded buildings, as they were then termed, were luxuries. His 
father was Neal BroAvn, a boyhood friend of Andrew Johnson. 
Mr. Brown was a man of high character, of unassuming man- 
ner, and held in high esteem by a wide circle of friends. In 
connection with Mr. "W. M. TJtley, in 1879, he established The 
Eve^iing Visitor. Mr. Brown was the father of Messrs. Charles 
A., Edward S., William M. and Bedford Brown. 

EARLY NEWSPAPERS AND THEIR PUBLISHERS 

Raleigh had been in existence but seven years when the publi- 
cation of its first newspapers began. This was in 1799, the 
names of the papers being Tlie Raleigh Register and The 
Minerva. The editor and publisher of The Register was Joseph 
Gales, a native of Sheffield, England. He published the paper 
for more than forty years. After his death, in 1842, it was con- 
ducted by his son, Weston R., and later by a grandson, Seaton 
Gales. Joseph Gales was for many years State Printer. He 
established the first paper mill in this section, on Rocky Branch, 
thence removing to Crabtree Creek. In politics he belonged to 
the dominant party, the Republican, and when that was dis- 
rupted in Jackson's time he became a Whig. Joseph Gales had 
the distinction of being the first to practice stenography in the 
United States, and was the first official stenographer to report 
the proceedings of Congress. He died in 1842, aged eighty 
years. 



84 HISTORICAL RALEIGH 

Succeeding Seat on Gales as editor of The Register was John 
W. Syme, a native of Petersburg, Va., who settled in Raleigh in 
the late fifties. He M'as one of the ablest journalists of his time, 
and wielded, it was said, a vitriolic pen, for a more courageous 
writer for the press was unknown in the State. 

The publisher of The Minerva was William Boylan, a native 
of ]^ew Jersey. He came to North Carolina in 1791, locating 
at Fayetteville, where for a fcAv years he published The Minerva-. 
After his removal here, in 1799, he continued the publication of 
the paper, which advocated Federalist principles. Mr. Boylan 
was often a Commissioner of the city, and was at one time presi- 
dent of the State Bank. He was an active promoter of the 
Kaleigh k Gaston Railroad and at one time its president. A 
man of the highest integrity, kind-hearted and generous, his 
hand was always open to deserving charity. A large number of 
his descendants are living among us today. Prominent among 
these is W. B. Snow, Esq., Mr. Boylan's great-grandson, and son 
of the late George H. Snow, who in his day was one of the most 
talented and brilliant lawyers that graced the Raleigh Bar. It 
has been said that it was Mr. Boylan who introduced tbe culti- 
vation of cotton in this county. However that may be, in this 
connection the following with reference to the cotton-gin in this 
State may prove interesting: 

Eli Whitney, the inventor of the cotton-gin, or "cotton- 
machine," or "saw-gin," as it was then called, passed through 
Raleigh early in 1802, on his way from Charleston, S. C. (Avhere 
he had been a school-teaclier and had invented the cotton-gin), 
to his home in Connecticut. With reference to this cotton-gin, 
the General Assembly, at its session of 1802, after considering 
"that the cultivation of cotton is increasing in this State, and 
from the invention and use of the saw-gin, likely to become a 
A'aluable stai)le article of exportation," enacted tliat "the State 
of [N^orth Carolina do purchase from the said Miller and Whit- 
ney (the former being the owner of a one-half interest in the 
])atent with Whitney, the inventor) the patent right to the 
making, using and vending the said new invention of a machine 
for clcMiiiiig cotton from its seeds, commonly called a saw-gin. 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 85 

on the terms and conditions hereinafter mentioned — that is to 
say, that there shall be laid and collected by the State of North 
Carolina on each and every saw-gin which shall be used in this 
State, between the passing of this act and the first day of April 
next (1803), a tax of two shillings and six pence upon every 
saw or annular row of teeth which such gin may contain, and a 
tax of two shillings and six pence for each and eveiy saw or 
annular row of teeth which shall be used in said gins, in each 
and every year, for the term of five years thereafter." The 
amounts collected for the years 1802 and 1803, under the pro- 
visions of this act, were directed to be paid to said Whitney and 
Miller as the price of the jjatent right agreed upon between them 
and the State. The tax collected for the five years thereafter 
was, of course, appropriated by the State — for the encourage- 
ment, perhaps, of the cotton industry. 

The next paper to make its appearance was The Baleigh Star, 
which made its bow to the public in 1808, with Calvin Jones and 
Thomas Henderson as editors and publishers. This firm was 
succeeded by Bell & Lawrence, and that by Lawrence & Lemay, 
the paper being afterwards known as The Star and Xorth Caro- 
lina Gazette. On the 3d of September, 1835, Mr. Lemay assumed 
sole control of the paper, conducting it successfully for many 
years. In 1836 David Outlaw, of Bertie, and in 1840 Hugh 
McQueen, of Chatham, became associate editors with Mr. Lemay. 
Thomas J. Lemay was born in Granville County in 1802, and 
died in Wake County, September S, 1863. 

The first number of The North Carolina Standard made its 
appearance November 14, 1834, and was published by Hon. 
Philo White, LL.D., a native of New York State. In 1836 he 
disposed of the paper to Thomas Loring, who conducted it suc- 
cessfully for several years. In 1843 the paper was purchased by 
W. W. Holden, who had learned the art of printing in the oifice 
of The North Carolina Star and Gazette, in Raleigh, under in- 
structions of the editor, Thomas J. Lemay. Mr. Holden (who 
later became the chief magistrate of the State) conducted the 
paper most successfully for more than a quarter of a century. 
When Governor Holden purchased The Standard he was but 



86 HISTORICAL RALEIGH 

twenty-five years of age, yet he soon grew to rank Avith tlie lead- 
ing writers for the press in the United States. 

In 1838 The Biblical Recorder was removed from New Bern 
to Raleigh. It was then hut three years old. Rev. Thomas 
Meredith, one of the most distinguished ministers of the Baptist 
denomination in this State, was the editor. It has since changed 
hands many times. The late J. H. Alford, long identified with 
our people as a man of exalted character, and with the Baptist 
denomination as one of its most devout members and deacons, 
was an apprentice in the office of this paper, which he entered 
in 1848. 

The North Carolina Christian Advocate was not founded 
until 1855. In 1867 the name of the paper was changed to 
The Ejnscopal Methodist, and three years later it became The 
Raleigh Christian Advocate. Its first editor was Rev. Rufus T. 
Heflin. Among other editors, there have been Rev. "William E. 
Pell, Rev. F. L. Reid, Rev. Dr. Black, Rev. Dr. T. N. Ivey. 
Rev. L. S. Massey is the present editor. 

The State Journal made its appearance in 1860, with John 
Spelman as editor and publisher. In politics it was Demo- 
cratic — rampant secession. 

During the Civil War, besides The Standard (W. W. Holdeu, 
editor), three other political papers were published here — The 
Confederate, The Conservative, and The Progress. Duncan K. 
McRae and Alex. Gorman were the editors of The Confederate; 
John H. Hyman edited The Conservative, and John L. Pen- 
ington conducted The Progress. When Raleigh surrendered to 
the Federal forces, in 1865, the editors of The Standard and The 
Progress became ''reconstructed" and were allowed to continue 
their publications unmolested. 

OLDEST LIVING INHABITANTS 

The following are among the oldest living inhabitants of 
Raleigh who deserve special mention in a work of this charac- 
ter. Of course, there are others equally aged, or perhaps more 
so, but they are such as the author has not been able (owing to 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 87 

his arduous labors in the preparation of this work) to call to 
mind, or are those who, instead of feeling a just pride in their 
having become so ripened and honored, are "touchy" on this 
subject, and object to their age being known : 

The oldest living inhabitant, though not a native of Raleigh, 
is Mrs. Cornelia R. Holleman, who, on the 12th of N"ovember 
last, rounded out one hundred years of a long and useful life. 
She is a native of Connecticut, and came to Raleigh in her young 
womanhood. For some time she was in the employ of Mrs. 
W. H. Thompson, Avho conducted a millinery store on Fayette- 
ville Street, near the capitol. Her first husband was O. L. 
Burch, mention of whom is made elsewhere as one of the early 
merchants. Mrs. Holleman is yet in the possession of her mental 
faculties, reads the daily papers and her Bible every day, eats 
and sleeps well, and loves to see old friends. She is the maternal 
aunt of Mrs. IST. B. Broughton, and has long been under her 
tender and watchful care at the Broughton home on New Bern 
Avenue. 

(Since the above was in type, Mrs. Holleman passed to her 
reward.) 

The oldest native inhabitant, as far as knoAvn, is Mr. William 
T. Womble, now in his eighty-sixth year, and who still delights 
to engage in the favorite sport of his boyhood — fishing. Mr. 
Womble, in the fifties of the last century, was long a teacher in 
the old-time "free school" of the "Western Ward," (Raleigh then 
having but two wards — Eastern and Western), in the "good old 
days" when, if a boy did not or even could not "learn his lesson," 
he was forced to do so by a sound flogging, and for this "system" 
of teaching, which was popular, Mr. Womble enjoyed — among 
his pupils — an unenviable reputation. 

(Mr. Womble died recently.) 

Mr. William B. Hutchings bears the distinction of being one 
of the oldest living inhabitants, October 16tli next being the 
anniversary of his eighty-fifth birthday. He is yet as vigorous 
and erect as many men of fifty, and the very picture of health. 
Mr. Hutchings is a native of Granville County and came to 
Raleigh in 1846, where for many years he was engaged in the 



88 HISTORICAL RALEIGH 

saddlery and harness business. He has always been an exem- 
plary citizen and Christian gentleman, enjoying the high esteem 
of all classes of our people. 

It was in 1850 that Hon. John Nichols came to Kaleigh from 
his country home near Eagle Kock, in this county. Here he at 
once engaged as an apprentice in the printing department of the 
Institution for the Deaf and Dumb and the Blind. Subsequently 
he was the foreman of the office, and later became the principal 
of the institution. In the seventies he was the senior member of 
the firm of Nichols, Gorman & Neathery, a printing house of 
Raleigh widely known throughout the State. Mr. Nichols has 
held many positions of honor and trust, prominent among which 
have been postmaster of Raleigh and Representative in Congress, 
in all of which he served with fidelity. He has been a most 
worthy and useful citizen. He is now in the seventy-ninth year 
of his age, healthy and robust, and still serving as United States 
commissioner. 

Another of the oldest inhabitants, eighty-two years of age, 
though not a native, is Capt. John D. Thompson, who has been 
a resident of Raleigh* since he was fourteen years of age. He 
served throughout the War Between the States and was long 
identified with the city police department. He is yet quite vigor- 
ous, physically and mentally, and indicates his devotion to the 
Lost Cause by chewing ''Stars and Bars" tobacco, "and no other 
kind," says Captain Thompson, emphatically. 

Mr. B. H. Woodell should also be distinguished as one of the 
oldest inhabitants. He is not a native of Raleigh, but has been 
identified with its best interests for half a century. He is promi- 
nent as an Odd Fellow, of which order he has been Grand Sec- 
retary for twenty-six years. 

FIRES, FIRE ENGINES AND WATER=WORKS IN 
RALEIGH'S EARLY HISTORY 

In the settlement of all communities, which are at first but 
mere villages, the dwellings and places of business are nearly 
always of wood. Many fires must necessarily be experienced 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 89 

before more durable and pretentious buildings are erected. 
Ealeigh was no exception to this rule, but her citizens prepared 
themselves for such emergency by purchasing, in 1802, the first 
fire engine they had ever seen. There was not then a pump in 
the city, and in case of fire entire dependence was upon the wells, 
of which "not one in four was supplied with buckets." Such 
was the comment made by a newspaper of that period. The 
engine referred to was bought by voluntary contributions. It 
employed sixteen hands, throwing eighty gallons per minute one 
hundred and thirty-two feet, and cost $374. Eleven years later 
the city, and in case of fire, entire dependence was upon the wells, 
company was organized. Six years before this an abortive at- 
tempt to supply the city with water was made. A water-wheel, 
worked from a pond in front of the Insane Asylum hill, made 
by damming Rocky Branch, forced the water to the top of a 
water tower on a hill in the southwest part of the city, whence 
it flowed by gravity to Hargett and along Fayetteville Street. 
There was no filtration. The water was delivered at intervals 
through wooden spouts. The engineer was Samuel Lash, of 
Salem, an ingenious mechanic. The pipes were of wood. They 
became frequently clogged with mud, and often burst with the 
pressure. The citizens living on the streets not benefited became 
clamorous against the taxation levied for repairs, and the 
scheme was abandoned. 

Fonner Street Commissioner Blake, while excavating on Fay- 
etteville Street a few years ago, dug up several pieces of this 
pipe, the inside diameter of which was about three inches. 

The first great fire on record was in 1816, on the east side of 
Fayetteville Street, extending from Martin to Hargett, and 
thence nearly to Wilmington Street. 

In 1821 a second fire broke out near the site where the mar- 
ket house now stands, consuming the east side of Fayetteville 
Street north, above Hargett, as far as where Dobbin & Ferrall's 
store now stands, and east to Wilmington Street. 

In 1831 another fire occurred. This was on the site of the 
present market house. 

In the same year all the buildings on the west side of Fayette- 
ville Street, from Morgan to Hargett, with the exception' of that 



90 HISTORICAL RALEIGH 

next to Morgan Street (the Dr. Fabius J. Haywood residence, 
but then occupied by the New Bern Bank), were swept away. 
This was kindled by an incendiary, Benjamin F. Seaborn, a 
clerk of Richard Smith, who endeavored by arson to hide the 
crime of theft. Smith was Register of Deeds, and twenty regis- 
try books were destroyed with his storehouse, causing much con- 
fusion of titles in our county. Seaborn was hung for his crime. 
Another fire broke out in 1841, in Depkin's shoe shop, on Fay- 
etteville Street. The flames swept down Hargett Street until 
checked within one house of Wilmington Street. The weak hose 
of the engine burst soon after it was brought into action. The 
water flowed on the ground and, mixing with red clay, formed a 
plastic material, which the ready-witted firemen gathered by 
handsful and bueketfuls, and, dashing it against the walls of a 
threatened store, formed a nonconductor, impervious to heat. 
The fire was extinguished, and the grateful citizens dubbed this 
heroic band as the "mud company," and this well-earned name 
stuck fast up to the day of of its dissolution. 

RALEIGH'S FIRST STREET=CARS 

The Raleigh Experimental Railway was the first attempt at a 
railroad built in ISTorth Carolina. It was a cheap strap-iron 
tramway, costing $22. .50 per mile, and finished January 1, 1833. 
The road was the suggestion of Mrs. Sarah Polk, widow of 
Col. William Polk and the mother of Bishop Polk, who was the 
principal stockholder, and the investments paid over 300 per 
cent. Capt. Daniel H. Bingham was the engineer, an accom- 
plished scholar, who taught a military school in the old Saun- 
ders house, on Hillsboro Street, and who was assisted by two of 
his advanced students, Dr. R. B. Hay^vood, of this city, and 
Col. William M. Abbott, of Mississippi. The road ran from the 
east portico of the capitol to the rock quarry, in the remote east- 
ern portion of the city. It was constructed principally for the 
purpose of hauling stone to build the present capitol. A pas- 
senger car was placed upon it "for the accommodation of such 
ladies and gentlomon as desired to take the exercise of a railroad 
airing." 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 91 

THE FIRST STEAM RAILWAY ENTERING THE CAPITAL 

Any attempt to record the progress of a city more than a cen- 
tury old which should fail to notice the introduction of travel by 
the locomotive would be unpardonable. Therefore some refer- 
ence to the first railroad with which Raleigh became acquainted 
may, it is hoped, prove interesting. 

The capital of the State was fifty years old before its popula- 
tion had scarcely exceeded two thousand. Being an inland town 
and having communication with the outside world only by stage- 
coaches and like vehicles, this small number of inhabitants were 
not unreasonable. But with the advent of 1840 signs of better 
times appeared, for that year witnessed the completion of the 
Raleigh & Gaston Railroad. The northern terminus was first at 
Gaston, instead of Weldon, as in later years. The name of Gas- 
ton was given in honor of Judge William Gaston. The comple- 
tion of the road was hailed by a celebration which lasted for 
three days. From distant counties men, women and children 
caine to see the new wonders — the State-house, the railroad and 
locomotive. At night the trees of Caijitol Square were illumin- 
ated with colored lamps, as well also as was Fayetteville Street. 
Grorgeous transparencies could be everywhere seen. One wos a 
representation of a locomotive, another of the State-house. 

The name of the first locomotive was the Tornado, which 
was a one-wheel driver and without any cab. It reached Raleigh 
on the 10th of May, 1840. The iron for the track became ex- 
hausted when the construction crew were within a few miles of 
Raleigh, and as the engine was due here on the above date, it 
ran that distance and safely into town, it is said, though this is 
doubtful, over the bare "stringers." The late C. B. Root, then 
but a very young man, had the distinction, together with several 
other friends, of riding into the city on the tender of tlie engine 
from Crabtree bridge, three miles distant, where they had gone 
for that purpose. 

The name Tornado was evidently not Avithout significance, 
being probably suggested by the great speed the "machine" could 
make, the schedule time being eighty-six miles (the distance 



92 HISTORICAL RALEIGH 

"between Raleigh and Gaston) in twelve hours, provided it could 
be kept on the sills, or "stringers," as the wooden rails were 
called. These were from fifteen to twenty feet in length and 
about eight inches in height, to which were nailed strips or bars 
of iron. On these the cars ran. These strips were of three sepa- 
rate dimensions — two inches by one-half inch, two inches by five- 
eighths of an inch, and two and one-fourth inches by five-eighths 
of an inch. 

Frequently the locomotive would jump the track as if attempt- 
ing to take to the woods, leaving the train crew helpless until 
assisted by the neighboring farmers and field hands to place it 
back on the track. Sometimes the passengers would be forced to 
get out of the coach (one only of which could be drawn at a 
time) and push the train up the hill or grading. 

The late Rufus H. Horton came on the road as fireman in 
1845. His compensation was the munificent sum of six dollars 
per month and "rations." It was then a common occurrence for 
the engineer to be forced to stop the engine for lack of wood, 
and to tear down the farmers' fences to get fuel sufficient to get 
to the next station. 

The names of other engines were equally significant as that of 
the Tornado; these were the Tempest, Volcano, Whirlwind, and 
Spitfire. iVt a later period, Avhen "big" engines were secured, 
these were designated by more dignified names, and in honor 
either of distinguished North Carolinians, active in promoting 
internal improvements, or to honor the counties through wliich 
the road passed. Thus, there was the Graham (in honor of Wil- 
liam A. Graham, the father-in-law of N'orth Carolina's distin- 
guished jurist, statesman and historian, Hon. Walter Clark), the 
Saunders (in honor of Romulus M. Saunders), the Wake, the 
Franhlin, the Granville, etc. 

"This road," said Turner & Hughes, in their almanac of 1841, 
"is esteemed one of the best in the United States." 

The following are tlie names of some of the early conductors : 
J. B. Timberlake, Littleton E. Riggin, Jephtlia Horton, Creigh- 
ton Williams, and Thomas G. Arrington. Jephtha Horton was 
the father of the late John W. Horton, for many years the 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 93 

efficient and faithful yardmaster here of the Seaboard Kailway, 
and the grandfather of John W. Horton, now connected with the 
machinery department of that road. 

Among the old-time engineers were Worthani Newton, Jesse 
Shaw, Thomas Jenkins, John Cooper, John L. Stone, Alex. 
Davis, Charles Holleman, Sidney Hinton, John Metcalf, Ed. C. 
White, Jack Sledge, Fab. Beavers, Joe H. Perry, James Law- 
rence, Alpheus Faison, Mortimer Fleming, John Beckham, and 
W. L. Nowell. 

In the machine shops in the earlier periods were Albert John- 
son, J. B. Gayle, B. R. Harding, Peter Fleming, Sidney Smeth- 
urst, Joseph Jackson, Emery Burns, John Utley, H. Clay John- 
son, Augustus Perdue, Frederick Rideout, Ed. C. Lougee, Robert 
Pace, Josiah Willson, James Hollister (now living), Henry 
Pace, William Horton, James Pace, Joe DeCarteret, J. C. S. 
Lumsden, James West, A. Y. Frost. O. D. Lipscomb, Marshall 
Betts, Harris Vaughan, and Anderson Betts were engaged in the 
carpenters' department. 

Among the officers of the road the following have been presi- 
dents : Wesley Hollister, W. J. Hawkins, L. O'B. Branch, George 
W. Mordecai, Gaston H. Wilder, R. W. Lassiter, W. W. Yass. 
Superintendents»: P. A. Dunn, S. S. Royster, W. G. Lewis, A. B. 
Andrews, J. C. Winder. 

Maj. W. W. Yass was for nearly half a century the treasurer. 
From 1848 till 1851, when the road was owned by the State, he 
was the president. In the last-mentioned year the State dis- 
posed of the road to a iiew organization, the old name of Ra- 
leigh & Gaston Railroad being retained, and Major Yass was 
again elected treasurer. He was a man of honor and held in the 
highest esteem wherever known. He died in 1896. Mr. W. W. 
Yass, cashier Wake Savings Bank, is his only son. 

Among those prominently identified with the road when in its 
infancy was Christopher B. Allen, who served as agent for many 
years. He was succeeded by his son, the late Charles S. Allen, 
who served faithfully for more than a generation. Charlie 
Allen, as he was familiarly known to his friends, was a man of 
most loving disposition, and his death, a few years ago, was 



94 HISTORICAL KALEIGH 

deeply mourned by a wide circle of friends. He married Annie, 
only daughter of D. C. Murray, in his day a prominent Kaleigli 
merchant. Charles S. Allen was the father of T. Murray Allen, 
Esq., one of the capital's prominent attorneys. 

The INTorth Carolina Railroad was chartered in 1848, the State 
appropriating $2,000,000 for its construction — this on condi- 
tion that private parties would subscribe $1,000,000. The pri- 
vate stock was eventually raised, and on January 29, 1856, the 
road was ready for passage of trains between Goldsboro and 
Charlotte. 

RALEIGH'S ORIGINAL MARKET HOUSE 

In the year 1840 the location of the tOAvn market was changed 
from Hargett to Fayetteville Street. The market house, while 
on Hargett Street, was situated in the centre of that thorough- 
fare, between Fayetteville and Wilmington streets, facing west, 
with a narrow driveway on either side, the same as the present 
market building. It was erected in 1800, the contract having 
been awarded to one Micajah Muckleroy, his compensation being 
two hundred and ninety-eight pounds sterling — English money 
being at that time still a legal tender. 

Much excitement was created by the agitation of the question 
of the market's removal, the saloon-keepers and others who had 
places of business contiguous naturally fearing that such action 
would bring to them serious business loss. The matter was put 
to a popular vote, resulting in the defeat of those opposing the 
removal. The victors desired to celebrate the event, and accord- 
ingly organized a torchlight procession, in which a large number 
of the people joined. On the night of the ''jubilee," while the 
procession was passing through Hargett Street, some one threw 
a stone, which struck a member of the saloon faction, whereupon 
a riot at once followed. Blows with bottles, bricks and sticks 
were freely exchanged, but with one exception no injuries were 
sustained. Jack Buffaloe received a slight wound Avith a knife 
in the hands of some unknown opponent. 

The conditions existing about the bar-rooms and in the dens 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 95 

around the old market constituted the principal reason for the 
better element of society being anxious .for the change. The 
locality was then called "Grog Alley." Wilmington Street, be- 
tween Hargett and Martin, was known as "Cologne." 

Raleigh had no police force at that period, a town constable 
(who at this time was James Murray) being all the protection, 
in that respect, the city had — the night watch, composed of pri- 
vate citizens, not going on duty till 9 p. m. 

After the destruction of the old market building on Hargett 
Street, a new one was erected on Fayetteville and on the present 
site. The structure was a small affair, though it had a hall 
above for public entertainments. It had not, however, any 
rooms devoted to offices for city officials. Indeed, all the town 
officers, besides the commissioners (as the aldermen were then 
called), were the mayor, clerk, and town constable, the clerk per- 
forming the functions of tax collector. The mayor's office was 
compelled to do duty for this entire business. This was in a 
small brick building in the rear of the market, and fronted on 
Wilmington Street. In the rear of this room was the "guard- 
house," as it was popularly termed. 

The butchers doing business at the old market house were 
Eldridge Smith, J. J. Christophers, and Shadrach Weddon. It 
is stated on the authority of one of the older inhabitants that the 
demand for fresh beef was so meagre and the population so 
small that before the slaughtering of any animals was under- 
taken the butchers from time to time would call on the people 
and take their orders, that the former might accommodate the 
supply of fresh meats to the demand. 

Eldridge Smith was the father-in-law of the late John Henry 
Boner, North Carolina's distingiiished poet, who married Char- 
lotte, Mr. Smith's second daughter. Mrs. Boner is still living, a 
resident of Winston, IST. C. 



06 



HISTORICAL KALEIGH 




(1) I!I;MI)K.\( i: of IIO.N. (IKO. K. HAIUiER. 

(LI) IIOI SK IN WIIK II .KlUiK \VM. (iASTOX WKOTE THE "OLD NORTH 

STATK." 
(.".I l!I KIDEXCE OF COI.. .lOEI, l.ANK, OKKilXAL OWNER OB" RALEIGH'S 

SITE. 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 97 

OLD=TIME PUBLIC (OR "FREE") SCHOOLS 

While the private schools of Raleigh were, as a rule, of a high 
order, the ''free schools," as the common or public schools were 
sometimes opprobriously termed, were confined to the lower 
grades of study^ — reading, writing, and arithmetic. The school- 
houses here were built about 1841, Fayetteville and Halifax 
streets being the dividing line between two districts. The East- 
ern Ward school-house was in Moore Square, usually known as 
the "Baptist Grove"; the Western, on William Boylan's land, 
immediately west of the land of Sylvester Smith. This latter 
was abandoned in a year or two, and another built on the south- 
west corner of Cabarrus and McDowell streets, and known as 
the Gum Spring School. After a few years a third, designed 
for females only, was built at the northwest corner of the old 
City Cemetery. The Cabarrus and McDowell Street house was 
sold to the gas company in 1858, and another erected in INTash 
Square. Subsequently the school was taught in an old field (on 
which now stands a block of residences) immediately west of the 
residence of the late C. S. Allen, on West Hargett Street. The 
late E. B. Thomas was the teacher for two years or more. The 
Eastern Ward School, in the "Baptist Grove" (Moore Square), 
was taught by the late William T. Womble, referred to elsewhere. 

"It was not at all uncommon," says the North Carolina his- 
torian, Mr. Stephen B. Weeks, in commenting on the old-time 
"free school," "to find the school-houses without ground or loft 
floors, and with chimneys built of sticks and dirt. Euel was 
supplied by brush, which the children were sent out every few 
hours to gather ; and about the fire there was a perpetual scram- 
ble for the inside position, while the young men and women and 
older children ciphered out of doors in the sun, forming very 
social but not studious little parties on the sunny side of the 
surrounding trees." Continuing, Mr. Weeks says : "The large 
majority of teachers instructed only in the elementary branches 
of spelling, reading, writing, and arithmetic. English grammar 
was not taught, perhaps, in a majority of the schools, and geog- 
raphy, as a general thing, was an unknown science. The teacher, 



98 HISTORICAL KALEIGH 

in most cases a law unto himself and a neighborhood oracle, 
knew little of the methods of his brethren in other places, and 
never regarded himself as an element of a general system ; and 
his progress was only in the mechanical art of writing. The 
method of teaching was extremely primitive. To look in the 
book and make a decent droning noise of any kind, not out of 
the common key, would insure immunity from the all-potent rod. 
There were no lectures, few explanations, no oral instruction. 
To get through the book was the great end, and to whip well, the 
paramount means." 

THE NAT TURNER INSURRECTION AND ITS EFFECT 
UPON THE PEOPLE OF RALEIGH 

When Nat Turner's massacre of fifty-five persons occurrexl in 
Southampton, Virginia, in 1831, the whole of Raleigh was placed 
under arms. The able-bodied were divided into four companies, 
each to patrol the streets every fourth night. The old men were 
organized as "Silver Grays." The fortress was the Presbyterian 
Church, and it was agreed that whenever the S.tate-house bell 
(which hung in a belfry in the southwest corner of the capitol 
])ark) should sound the alarm, the women and children were to 
take refuge within its protecting walls. A few nights thereafter, 
John O'Rourke's blacksmith shop took fire, and one of the most 
fearful and exciting scenes ever beheld in Raleigh was that of 
hundreds of women and children flying through the streets to the 
place of common refuge. It is said of the late Col. James Fon- 
tleroy Taylor, who was then a mere boy, that he also became 
excited, and, seizing his father's sword, brandished it in the air 
and declared his purpose to there die in defense of the house- 
hold. The negroes were frightened more than the whites. They 
fled and hid under houses, in garden shrubbery, lay between corn 
rows — anywhere. 

There never was a time when the colored people of Raleigh 
would have risen against our people. It is greatly to the credit 
of both races that, notwithstanding party animosity and sudden 
emancipation, the kindly personal feeling between the whites and 
their old servants and descendants has never been interrupted. 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 99 

RELIGIOUS 

For a long time after the foundation of the city the people 
worshipped in tlie State-house or court-house. The great Meth- 
odist bishop, Asbury, held a "big meeting" in the former place 
in 1800. 

In 1805 or 1806 William Glendenning, a native of Scotland, 
removed to Raleigh and established a grocery store on jSTew Bern 
Avenue, opposite the present Episcopal rectory. He had been a 
preacher of the Methodist Episcopal Church, but seceded with 
James O'Kelly. He built the first church in the city, on Blount 
Street, between Morgan and Hargett, and called it Bethel. He 
became insane and Avas called the "Crazy Parson/' and, of 
course, made little religious impression on the community. 

THE METHODIST CHURCH 

The first Methodist Church built in Raleigh Avas constructed 
of hewn logs, and stood in Joel Lane's woods, on what was then 
Halifax Road, about where Colonel Heck's residence now stands, 
on Blount Street, and Avas called Asbury Meeting House. Bishop 
Asbury Avas probably the founder of this church, in 1784, as he 
traveled frequently into ISTorth Carolina, and Wake Court-House 
was an important point. 

In 1811 the Methodists had finished their church, the first 
erected after the organization of the city, on the lot donated by 
Willie Jones, of Halifax, and bought by him at the sale of 1792. 

This church having been destroyed by fire in 1839, another 
was erected in 1841. Benjamin B. Smith, Raleigh's leading 
merchant, contributed three hundred dollars toward this object. 
This church was remoA^ed a few years ago to giA^e way to the 
present imposing edifice. It has a seating capacity of eight 
hundred. Mrs. Badger, the mother of Hon. George E. Badger, 
was a prominent member of this church after coming here from 
!New Bern, and often led in prayer, or "prayed in public," as it 
was termed. 

Among the early pastors were Bennett T. Blake, John Kerr, 



100 HISTORICAL RALEIGH 

John T. Brame, John E. Edwards, R. O. Burton, "William E. 
Pell, Joseph H. Wheeler, L. L. Hendren, X. F. Reid, John S. 
Long. 

Of those Avho were prominently connected with the church in 
its earlier days were Miss Emma Hunter, Miss Louisa Hill, Mrs. 
Sarah McCauley, Misses Susan and Emma White, Mrs. Eliza 
Lemay, Mrs. Lucinda Tucker, Henry J. Brown, Mrs. Lucy 
Evans, Rev. Thomas J. Lemay, L. W. Peck, S. H. Young, C. W. 
D. Hutchings, John C. Palmer, Mrs. Ann R. Lipscomb, Henry 
Porter, Mrs. Elizabeth Busbee, John Myatt, Miss Priscilla 
McKee, Eldridge Smith. 

THE BAPTIST CHIRCH 

The Baptists were next to organize a congregation. This was 
in 1812, and a church building of an humble character was 
erected on Moore Square, or in what was then known as the 
Baptist Grove. The bell was of the size and sound of those 
generally in use by tobacco factories. In this grove the founders 
of the first Baptist Church worshipped. There is high authority 
for the statement that the members were accustomed each to 
take a tallow candle to this humble building in order to produce 
a "dim, religious light" (so conducive to spirituality, it was 
thought) for services at night. The membership of the church, 
it is said, was never more than eighteen — seven males and eleven 
females. Of the former, there w^ere Madison Roystcr, James 
JSTunn, J. D. Briggs, Mark Williams, and W. C. Upchurch. The 
late Mrs. Alfred Williams was among the lady members. 

About 1835, owing to differences of opinion among the mem- 
bers, dissension arose, and a new and better edifice was accord- 
ingly erected at the southeast corner of Wilmington and Morgan 
streets. The pastors of this church, in the order named, were 
Revs. Amos J. Battle, Louis Dupree, T. W. Toby, J. J. Finch, 
G. W. Johnston, T. E. Skinner. 

In 1858 the present imposing First Baptist Church was 
erected. Rev. Dr. T. E. Skinner was the first pastor. He was 
one of the broadest-minded ministers and profoundest theolo- 
gians of his day, and a gentleman of the old school — that type 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 101 

of men that are gradually passing away. Possessed of a deep 
charity for his fellow-man, he was noted for his broad benevo- 
lence, though in its dispensations he was modest, never letting 
his left hand know what his right hand did. He died several 
years ago, at an advanced age. 

Among those identified with the membership of the First Bap- 
tist Church in its early history were Mrs. C. H. Amis (mother 
of the author of this work), Mrs. Alfred Williams, Miss Lucinda 
Briggs, Miss Sallie Towles, Miss Selina Jenkins, T. H. Briggs, 
P. F. Pescud, J. J. Briggs, James D. Eoyster, M. B. Eoyster, 
A. M. Lewis, Lynn Adams, Len H, Adams, James D. JSTunn, 
Jordan Womble, Jr., Robert S. Jones. 

A prominent feature of the Sunday school of this church is 
the infant class. The class was organized in 1865, with but 
twelve pupils. Dr. "W. I. Eoyster was the first teacher in charge. 

In 1874 a few members of this church, led by Messrs. !^. B. 
Broughton and the late J. S. Allen, organized a new congrega- 
tion and purchased on Swain Street a house of worship and 
denominated it the Second Baptist Church. The congregation 
assumed in a year or two such proportions that it became neces- 
saiy to secure a more commodious structure, and a site was 
accordingly purchased on the corner of Hargett and Person 
streets, upon which was erected the Tabernacle Baptist Church. 
It has recently been enlarged, at a cost of $25,000. Its seating 
capacity is about twelve hundred. The Sunday school is the 
largest in the city, and its fame in this department of religious 
work extends throughout the country, due in a great measure 
to the zeal and popularity of Mr. IST. B. Broughton, known 
throughout the State as foremost in all that makes for the 
advancement, moral and material, of the people. 

THE EPISCOPAL CHUKCH 

Steps were taken to organize an Episcopal Church in Raleigh 
about 1820, Eev. John Phillips, of Calvary Church, Tarboro, 
being missionary in charge. In 1822 a vestry was elected, con- 
sisting of Chief Justice John Louis Taylor, William H. Hay- 
wood, and Dr. Burges. A wooden church was built in 1829. It 



102 HISTORICAL KALEIGH 

was situated a little nearer Edenton Street than the present 
beautiful edifice, known as Christ Church. 

About 1845 or 1846 the present stone church was erected 
under the supervision of Mr. Upjohn, the leading ecclesiastical 
architect of the country. The first rector was Eev. John Ravens- 
croft. He was succeeded by Rev. George W. Freeman, Avho 
resigned in 1840, when Rev. Richard S. Mason, a man of great 
learning, was elected, who ministered to the congregation until 
his death, in 1874. The original vestrymen of the church were 
John Louis Taylor, Dr. Burges, William H. Haywood, Jr. The 
prominent communicants in early times were Gavin Hogg, Dim- 
can Cameron, Thomas P. Devereux, George E. Badger, Charles 
L. Hinton, Charles Manly, George W. Mordecai, John H. Bryan, 
R. M. Saunders, James McKimmon, William H. Battle, Thomas 
D. Hogg, Kemp P. Battle, William E. Anderson, the late R. H. 
Battle, P. A. Wiley. 

THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 

The first Presbyterian congregation in Raleigh Avas organized 
in 1806. The first regular pastor was Rev. William Turner, of 
Virginia, his elders being Judge Henry Potter, William Shaw, 
and Thomas Emons. The religious services Avere held in the 
hall of the House of Commons. The first church Avas erected in 
1817, and Rev. William McPheeters became the first pastor. 
ReA\ Drury Lacy was long a pastor, occupying the pulpit of his 
church for eighteen consecutive years. Rev. J. M. Atkinson Avas 
also one of the pastors. The present handsome edifice Avas 
erected in 1899. It has a seating capacity of one thousand. The 
following were among the prominent members of this church in 
its early history : H. D. Turner, S. W. Whiting, William Peace, 
Jesse Brown, Charles Dewey, John Primrose, J. M. ToAvles. 

Until 1827 the Sunday schools of the several churelies Avere 
united in one, Avhich Avas known as the L^nion Sunday School. 
Miss Lucinda Briggs represented the Baptist denomination, and 
a more earnest and faitliful disciple of Cliristianity this city has 
never knoAvn. Tavo daughters of Dr. McPheeters represented 
the Presbyterian, and Miss Louisa Hill the IVfethodist denomina- 
tion. Webster's blue-back s]ieller Avas one of the books used. 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 103 

The first Young Men's Christian Association in Ealeigli was 
instituted in 1859, with H. P. McCoy as president and W. J. 
Young as secretary. The object of the organization was said to 
be "to visit the sick, administer to the wants of the needy, estab- 
lish Sunday schools, distribute tracts," etc. 

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH 

The first mass ever celebrated in Raleigh was by the Rev. 
Father Peter Wheelan, about the year 1832, in a boarding-house 
kept by Matthew Shaw, a Presbyterian. A Catholic church was 
built here in 1834, at a cost of $800. It was dedicated by Bishop 
England, in 1835, who often said mass and preached. In 1859 
the building which had been the Baptist Church, corner of Mor- 
gan and Wilmington streets, was purchased, and in 1860 for- 
mally dedicated by Bishop Lynch, of Charleston. The first pas- 
tor was Rev. J. Y. McNamara, who was installed in 1869, until 
which time the church .had been served by missionary priests. 
The present church edifice is on the corner of Hillsboro and 
McDowell streets and was purchased in 1875, at a cost of 
$13,000. The pastor is Rev. Thomas P. Griffin. 

EARLY HOTELS, OR TAVERNS 

The hotels, or taverns, as they were formerl}' called, were of a 
primitive nature. In 1803 Henry H. Cook advertised that at 
"Wake Old Court-House, about a quarter of a mile of the State- 
house, he can accommodate ten or twelve gentlemen with board 
during the session of the General Assembly, and will take a few 
horses to feed at 2s. 6d. a day." The court-house records show 
that English money was current till 1810. 

In the same year the "Indian Queen," kept by Captain Scott, 
was advertised as the best hotel in the city, "with thirteen rooms, 
nine of which have fireplaces." This was on the site of the 
present Federal court-house and post office. 

Another hotel, or tavern, of that period was opened b}^ Peter 
Casso, in 1804, on Fayetteville Street. The proprietor adver- 
tised that "i^orthern and Southern stages leave his door three 
times a week." 



104 HISTORICAL RALEIGH 

On the first of July, 1812, Charles Parish opened a new hotel 
and called it "The Eagle." This was on the site now occupied 
by the State Agricultural Building. It was of three stories, and 
the same which was afterwards known as the Guion Hotel. With 
the exception of the State-house, this was the first brick building 
erected in the city. The following was the proprietor's announce- 
ment to the public: 

"Charles Parish informs his friends and the public that his 
tavern is now open for the reception of travelers and boarders in 
the new three-story building north of the State-house and front- 
ing Union Square. The house is spacious, completely furnished, 
and the stables equal to any. For a well-supplied table (served 
from a neat and cleanly kitchen), luxuries of the rooms, beds, 
attendance, etc., it is determined that this tavern shall excel any 
in the Southern States. 

"N. B. — An ice-house and bathing rooms will be constructed 
by next season." 

The ice-house and bathing rooms were probably the earliest 
introduction of these luxuries among the growing refinements of 
the city. 

John Marshall and John Mares had also opened hotels, or 
taverns. These were frame buildings. Indeed, for thirty years 
after the foundation of the city (1792 until 1822) there were but 
four brick stnictures. These were the Eagle Hotel, the Bank of 
i^ew Bern (the site of the Administration Building, at the head 
of Eayetteville Street), the Presbyterian Church, and The Reg- 
ister printing office. The Governor's Palace was of brick, but 
this was beyond the limits of the city. 

THE BIRTHPLACE OF A PRESIDENT— ANDREW 
JOHNSON 

No man known to the history of any people ever rose, perhaps, 
to such distinction from so humble a beginning as Andrew John- 
son, better known as the tailor-President. He first saw the light 
of day in Baleigli, on the 29th of December, 1808. At the age 
of ten years he was apprenticed to Mr. James Litchford (grand- 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 105 

father of Mr. Henry Litcliford) to learn the trade of a tailor. 
Before his tenn of apprenticeship expired he resolved to seek a 
field of usefulness elsewhere. He and l!^eal Bro"VYn, the latter 
also a young man (and the father of the late W. M. BrowTi) 
were intimate friends, and to J^eal Andrew confided his inten- 
tion of ''running away" from his employer. Brown agreed to 
assist him in doing so, and to that end carried his friend 
Andrew's luggage, or cai-pet-sack of his meagre belongings, to a 
safe distance on the road outside of town, in order to facilitate 
the latter 's escape. Johnson journeyed on foot from here to 
Laurens Court-House, S. C, where he followed his trade for 
two years. There he became engaged to be married to the 
daughter of a gentleman of wealth and position, but was refused 
her hand because of his poverty. He returned to Raleigh in 
1826, but, after remaining here but a few months, went to Green- 
ville, Tenn., where he was married. Up to this time he knew 
nothing of writing or arithmetic. His wife, however, sedulously 
labored to instruct him in those branches of rudimentary educa- 
tion, and with success. In 1829 he became an alderman ; in 
1830, mayor; in 1835 he was sent to the Legislature. Here he 
made his maiden speech on public affairs. In 1841 he was 
elected to the State Senate, and in 1843 he was first chosen as a 
Representative in Congress. In this position he served until 
1853. He was twice elected Governor. In 1857 he was sent to 
the United States Senate for a full term, ending in 1863. And, 
finally, after filling almost every official position in the gift of 
the people, he became President of the United States, which last 
position he obtained, however, by the occasion of Lincoln's death 
while in office. The house in which this remarkable man was 
born is still in existence. For many years it stood on East 
Cabarrus Street, between Wilmington and Blount streets, but a 
few years since was removed to Pullen Park, where it is now 
viewed with curiosity by all who visit that resort. 

With reference to the "runing away" of Andrew Johnson from 
his employer, the following article may be of interest. It seems 
to conflict with the popular tradition that he "ran away" from 
Mr. Litchford, a leading tailor at that period. For this article 



106 HISTORICAL RALEIGH 

the author is indebted to Col. Charles E. Johnson, president of 
the Ealeigh Banking and Trust Company. The article appeai'ed 
in Tlxe Baleigh Star and Gazette of June 25, 1824: 

"Te7i Dollars Reward. 

"Ean away from the subscriber, on the night of the 15th 
instant, two apprentice boys, legally bound, named William and 
Andrew Johnson. They are much of a height, about five feet 
four or five inches, and fair complexion. They went off with 
two other apprentices advertised by Messrs. William and Charles 
Fowler. When they went away they were well clad — blue cloth 
coats, new hats, and light-colored homespun pants. The maker's 
name in the crown of the hats is Theodore Clark. I will pay the 
above reward to any person who will deliver said apprentices to 
me in Ealeigh, or I will give the above reward for Andrew John- 
son alone. Jamks J. Selby, Tailor. 

''Ealeigh, K C, June 24, 1824." 

Note. — The reader's attention is here called to the chapter 
entitled "Andrew Johnson's Visit to His Boyhood Home." 

EDUCATIONAL 

The Ealeigli Academy, inaugurated in 1802, Avas a corporation 
chartered in that year, and was situated in what was then called 
Burke's Garden, otherwise known as Burke Square, the site of 
the Governor's Mansion. The trustees were John Eaven, Wil- 
liam White, Sherwood Haywood, Theophilus Hunter, John 
Ingles, N^athaniel Jones, Matthew McCullers, William Hinton, 
Simon Turner, Samuel High, Joseph Gales, John Marshall, Wil- 
liam Boylan, Henry Seawell. The school was for both young 
men and young ladies. Great stress was laid on Latin and on 
tlie training of the boys, while the education of the girls was 
confined to the English branches. The boys were instructed as 
if they were designed for one of the learned professions. The 
girls were educated to be good spellers and readers, to l)e well 
acquainted with geography, and their hands Avere trained to be 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COrNTY 107 

able to use deftly the needle. Many of them, too, learned to play 
the piano or guitar under a music teacher of reputation, an Eng- 
lishman named Thomas Sambourne. 

In 1810 Hex. William McPheeters, of Virginia, a young min- 
ister of the Presbyterian Church, was elected by the trustees of 
the academy, not only to teach, but to be "pastor of the city." 
He was described as a man of learning and of the strongest char- 
acter, of great personal magnetism, and an admirable teacher, 
kind to all, but inflexibly severe to offenders. He preached most 
acceptably in the State-house until 1817, when the Presbyterian 
Church was erected. He gave up the academy in 1826. In 1837 
he spent a year in Fayetteville in charge of a large female semi- 
nary, and resigned on account of failing health. For the same 
reason he declined the tender of the presidency of Davidson Col- 
lege, He returned to Raleigh, and died in 1842. 

St. Mary's School, for young ladies, was founded in 1842 by 
Rev. Aldert Smedes, Avho had rare qualifications for this work. 
He was a. man of big brain and great heart. During the priva- 
tions of the great Civil War, and in the troublous years after- 
wards, the doors of his school were kept open, even when he was 
suffering a pecuniary loss. His benefactions in the way of free 
tuition and board on credit, at all times liberal, were in those 
days princely. The buildings of this school were erected in 
1832 as a school for boys, but failed in 1838 for lack of proper 
support. The present rector is Rev. G. W. Lay. 

Joshua Lumsden taught a school for boys. The late Thomas 
H. Briggs was one of his pupils. 

Mrs. Martindale's school for boys and girls will be remembered 
pleasantly by many of her old pupils. She was a very thorough 
teacher and a good disciplinarian. Her school was on the corner 
of Morgan and Person streets. Miss Eliza Hill conducted a 
school of like character in the old Masonic Temple. This was a 
two-story frame building, which stood on the corner of Dawson 
and Morgan streets. 

In 1840 Messrs. Gray and Dorratt opened their "]N"orth Caro- 
lina Classical, English and Mathematical Institute" near the 
capitol, and the same year Silas Bigelow established a school for 
young men. 



108 HISTORICAL RALEIGH 

About this period tlie Methodist Female Seminary, under the 
direction of Rev. Bennett T. Blake, was also then in a flourish- 
ing condition. This was on Hillsboro Street, between Dawson 
and McDowell. Later principals of this school Avere Rev. D. R. 
Bruton, Rev. W. E. Pell, Rev. Mr. Christian, and perhaps 
others. 

Jefferson Madison Lovejoy, or "Old Jeff," as his boys called 
him, was the last of the old-time schools for males. This school 
was established in 1842 and became famous, as one of the best 
institutions of learning, of its kind, in the State. Many of those 
who were his pupils are to-day among the most prominent and 
influential men of the- city. The school was on the site of the 
Governor's Mansion and was conducted with much success until 
the close of the Civil War. Among those now living among us 
who were pupils of Mr. Lovejoy are Hon. John Nichols, Charles 
McKimmon, Dr. W. I. Royster, and others. 

Rev. Drury Lacy also conducted a very superior school for 
boys. He was the father of Mr. B. R. Lacy, State Treasurer. 

The common school, or "old-field free school," as it was some- 
times termed, is referred to elsewhere. It may be here stated, 
however, that while the education of the masses did not escape 
the attention of the founders of our State Government (for we 
find a provision to this effect in the Constitution of 1776), yet it 
was not until 1852 that anything like a working system of pub- 
lic education was adopted. Calvin H. Wiley was made State 
Superintendent. 

Late in the forties the Sedgwick Female Seminary was opened. 
It was situated on Halifax, between ISTorth and Johnson streets, 
on the lot now occupied by the residence of C. C. McDonald. 
The seminaiy was under the superintendence of Mrs. Finch, 
wife of Rev. Joseph J. Finch, who was at that time pastor of 
the Baptist Church. After the death of Mr. Finch, which oc- 
curred in 1850, Mrs. Finch was assisted in conducting the school 
by Rev. G. M. L. Finch and a corps of able teachers, who in- 
structed in all the branches usually taught in seminaries. Among 
her pupils was Mrs. Roxana Dodd, widow of the late W. H. 
Dodd. Mr. and Mrs. Finch Avere the parents of Mrs. Dr. W. I. 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COL'XTY 109 

Royster, Mrs. Dr. William T. Hodge and William H. Finch, in 
his day a A'ersatile writer for the press and a leading citizen. 

In 1860 Albert H. Dowell organized a classical school, for 
boys. The school-house was near the residence of the late Henry 
Mordecai, just beyond the city limits. Among his pupils were 
Samuel F. Mordecai, Joel Whitaker, Charles E. Johnson, J. I. 
Johnson, T. H. Briggs, James A. Briggs, Willis Whitaker, Peter 
Pescud, James Boylan, William Boylan and J. Pugh Haywood. 
The originators and promoters of the school were Wilson Whita- 
ker and other prominent gentlemen of means. Mr. Dowell is 
said to have been one of the most thorough and capable teachers 
of his time. He was the father of Mrs. D. G. Conn, of this city, 
and of Julian C. Dowell, a leading citizen and prominent patent 
attorney of Washington, D. C. 

The Select School for Girls of the Misses Partridge (Sophia 
and Caroline, the latter subsequently becoming Mrs. James Jor- 
dan) was opened in 1846. It was held in high esteem, as shown 
by the liberal patronage it enjoyed for nearly twenty years. The 
school was situated on East Hargett Street, near Swain. The 
Partridge family were natives of Newark, N. J., and came to 
Raleigh but a short while prior to the opening of the school. 

Mr. and Mrs. John Bobbitt also conducted schools at this 
period. Mrs. Bobbitt was an aunt of the Misses Partridge and 
Mrs. Jordan, above mentioned, and came here from Louisburg, 
where she and her husband had been engaged in teaching. After 
the death of Mr. Bobbitt his widow assisted Miss Sophia Par- 
tridge in the conduct of her school. One of their pupils was 
Mrs. P. D. B. (Freeman) Arrington, of Raleigh, a lady of 
decided convictions and a pronounced woman suifragist. 

No institution of learning in Raleigh was ever more favorably 
known than that of Mrs. Eliza Taylor, who, shortly after the 
death of her husband (Attorney-General Taylor), in 1828, 
opened a select school for boys and girls, on the corner of Har- 
gett and Salisbury streets, which she conducted almost without 
interruption for more than forty years. Dr. Thomas D. Hogg, 
Bishop Beckwith and A. M. McPheeters were among her first 
pupils. 



110 HISTORICAL RALEIGH 

A more historic residence and its appurtenances does not stand 
in Raleigh than that known as the "Old Taylor Place," which 
has been in the Taylor and Busbee families since early in the 
last century. The house then stood on Hillsboi'O Street and was 
owned by Judge Potter, who in 1818 sold it to Col. James F. 
Taylor. The building was then removed to its present site. The 
little "office" on the corner was subsequently built by the new 
owner, who used it for a law office. After his death it was occu- 
pied by Judge Gaston, who was Mrs. Taylor's uncle and guard- 
ian. It was here that this distinguished Carolinian and eminent 
jurist wrote the renowned poem, which was subsequently set to 
music and since known as the "Old K'orth State." This was in 
1835. The poem was suggested by Mrs. Taylor, who, having 
heard her daughter, Miss Louisa, then but thirteen years of age, 
render a song having a particularly pleasing air, thought the 
music appropriate for a patriotic hymn. This view she com- 
municated to Judge Gaston, who at once complied with Mrs. 
Taylor's request to write the poem, as above stated. Miss Louisa 
Taylor was the first to sing the hymn. She is still living, re- 
siding in the same old homestead of her childhood days. She is 
now ninety years of age. The piano on which it was first played 
is still in the family. 

Peace Institute was not opened until 1868, though its erection 
had begun before the Civil War. This school is at the northern 
terminus of Wilmington Street and occupies large and well- 
arranged brick buildings, in an oak grove of about fifteen acres. 
It is well patronized. The first principal Avas Rev. Robert Bur- 
well, D.D. 

Shaw Univei'sity (colored) was opened in 1S65. It had its 
origin in the formation of a theological class of freodnien in the 
old Guion Hotel (the site of the State Agricultural Building), 
with Rev. H. M. Tupper and his wife as teachers. Subsequently 
the school was removed to the corner of Blount and Cabarrus 
streets, and until 1870 known as the Raleigh Institute. Build- 
ings were erected from time to time, until 1879, when it was 
incorporated as Shaw University. The institution has law and 
medical departments, and continues in a prosperous condition. 
Tlio president is Dr. C. F, Meserve. 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 111 

EARLY LAWYERS 

One of the first practicing lawyers connected with the history 
of Raleigh was Henry Seawell. He was horn in 1774, in what 
was then Bute (now Franklin) County, and came here in 1800. 
After serving as Attorney-General, he was appointed Judge of 
the Superior Court, which position he filled with much credit. 
He was said to be a lawyer of great, ability. His vnie was Miss 
Grizelle Hinton, whom he married in 1800. He was the father 
of the late Richard SeaAvell, of Raleigh, and grandfather of Mr. 
Joseph L. Seawell, the very efficient Clerk of the Supreme Court, 
and Mr. R. B. Seawell, Commissioner of Public Works of the 
City of Raleigh. 

A contemporary of Mr. Seawell was Peter Browne, who came 
here in the early part of the last century. He was the owner of 
the land later purchased by William Boylan in the western sec- 
tion of the city. He died in 1833, aged sixty-two years. 

Moses Mordecai was another early attorney. Coming to this 
State from N^ew York, he settled in Greenville, and came to 
Raleigh about 1820. He was a jurist of note and an advocate 
of great ability. He died in 1824. He was the grandfather of 
Samuel F. Mordecai, Esq., of Raleigh, one of the State's ablest 
jurists. He is now professor of law in Trinity College, Durham. 

Another attorney of distinction was Gavin Hogg. Removijig 
here from Bertie in 1820, he soon had a large practice, which, 
however, was confined to the Supreme and Federal courts. 

James F. Taylor was another lawyer of celebrity. He gradu- 
ated at the State University in 1810, and in 1825 was elected 
Attorney-General. He died in 1828, at the age of thirty-seven 
years. 

Hiram W. Husted and G. Wash. HayAvood were also lawyers 
of prominence more than half a century ago. Mr. Husted was 
possessed of fine literary attainments. In politics he was an 
ardent Whig. In 1844 he was the editor of The Clarion, the 
campaign organ in Raleigh of the Whig party. 

Charles Manly, too, was a lawyer of considerable note. He 
was elected Governor on the Whig ticket in 1848 and filled many 
other offices of honor and trust. 



112 HISTORICAL RALEIGH 

William H. Haywood was another ilustrious laAvyer of early- 
times. He was born liere in 1801, and in 1822 commenced tlie 
practice of his profession, in which he earned great distinction. 
He was the father of Edw^ard Graham Haywood, also a lawyer 
of eminence. 

LAWYERS OF LATER PERIODS 

Prominent among the lawyers of later periods were Hon. 
George E. Badger, B. F. Moore (father of Messrs. Benjamin M., 
Van C, and James Moore), Perrin Busbee (grandfather of 
Perrin Busbee, Esq.), Thomas (Governor) Bragg, Henry W. 
Miller, Gen. L. O'B. Branch, Gen. W. E. Cox. General Cox is 
the father of Messrs. Albert and Francis Cox, prominent mem- 
bers of the Ealeigh Bar. 

Judge Badger enjoyed the distinction of serving as Secretary 
of the N^avy under President W. H. Harrison. He also repre- 
sented the State in the United States Senate during a portion of 
the period that Daniel Webster served in that body, from 1848 
to 1855. He was born in New Bern in 1795 and resided in 
Ealeigh from 1825 until his death, which occurred in 1866. 
Thomas Bragg and B. F. Moore were truly great lawyers. Mr. 
Moore accumulated a large fortune. He was born in 1801 ; died 
1878. Mr. Bragg became a jurist and statesman of great dis- 
tinction, and served a while as Attorney-General in the Con- 
federate States Cabinet. 

At the memorial services of Mr. Moore, held by the Bar of 
Ealeigh, Edward Graham Ha^"\vood, himself one of the greatest 
lawyers of his time in North Carolina, among other things, said 
of Mr. Moore that he was the ''wisest man he ever knew, and was 
recognized as a distinct and efficient moral power in regulating 
the social and political welfare of the State." 

Perrin Busbee was an attorney whose ability and great popu- 
larity would have insured for him the enjoyment of the highest 
offices in the State, but for his death at an early age, Avhich 
occurred in 1853. 

Henry W. Miller was a lawyer of great eloquence. He was a 
native of Virginia, but came to North Carolina in early life and 



SKETCHES OF AVAKE COUNTY 



113 



graduated at the University in 1834. He was the grandfather 
of Mr. Henry W. Miller, of Atlanta, prominent in the affairs of 
the Southern Railway. 

Hon. Kemp Plunimer Battle was for many years a resident of 
Raleigh. He came here ahout the year 1852 and commenced the 
practice of law and built up a lucrative practise. Afterwards he 
Avas State Treasurer. When the State University was reorgan- 
ized Mr. Battle became its president, and at present he fills the 




GEORGE EDMUND BADGER (1795-18GG) 

Statesman and Jurist 

chair of history, for Avhich he is so eminently qualified. He is a 
man of fine literary attainments, and few men have contributed 
more to the history of Raleigh and the State. Mr. Battle is a 
man of high social attainments, agreeable manners, and one of 
the most beloved men in the State. 

[Mention is made of the late R. H. Battle elsewhere.] 
Other lawyers of different periods in the city's history were : 
Quentin Busbee, Judge George V. Strong, Judge Daniel G. 
Fowle, Gen. L. O'B. Branch, Sion H. Rogers, Kemp Marriott, 



114 HISTORICAL RALEIGH 

Edward Graham Haywood, Col. Thomas (\ Fuller, Samuel A. 
Ashe, H. A. Gilliam, Samuel F. Phillips, Joseph B. Batchelor, 
Kemp P. Battle, W. H. Pace, W. S. Mason, George M. Smedes, 
A. M. Lewis, R. G. Lewis, Charles K. Lewis, Benjamin B. Lewis, 
Richard C. Badger (son of George E. Badger), John Gatling, 
George H. Snow, Moses A. Bledsoe, W. H. Bledsoe, John E. 
Bledsoe, Spier Whitaker, R. O. Burton, S. G. Ryan, T. M. Argo, 
Judge T. R. Purnell, C. M. Busbee, F. H. Busbee, W. H. Day, 
J. N". Holding, R. H. Battle, Judge James E. Shepherd. The 
last-mentioned ten have died within the last decade. 

Prominently identified also with the distinguished Raleigh 
lawyers in his day was Hon. Augustus S. Merrimon, a native of 
Buncombe County, who, from a plain farmer's son, arose to the 
proud position of L'nited States Senator. As a jurist he was the 
peer of the ablest lawyers in ISTorth Carolina ; as a patriot, while 
a representative in the State Legislature he originated legisla- 
tion the good influence of which is felt to this day ; and as a 
United States Senator he grappled with the mightiest problems 
then before the American people. For many years he served with 
distinction as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the State. 
He was born September 30, 1830, and died ISTovember 14, 1892. 
In early life he married Miss Margaret Baird, of Buncombe 
County. Of the sons and daughters surviving them are Branch 
H., a leading citizen of Greensboro ; William B., of Greensboro, 
prominent in insurance circles of the State; Mary P. (Mrs. Lee 
S. Overman), Maggie S. (Mrs. John Kinney), of Raleigh; 
Maude L. (Mrs. J. L. (huminggim), of J^ashville, Tenn.; 
Charles J., of j^ew York. 

GENERAL LA FAYETTE'S VISIT TO RALEIGH 

The expected arrival in Raleigh in \S2') of tlie distinguishi'd 
Gilbert Montier — Martpiis do La Fayette, or General La Fay- 
ette — created no little enthusiasm in the minds of the people, and 
was anticipated as one of the most interesting events ever having 
occurred in our history. From TJie Raleigh Register of March 
1, 1825, is taken the following: 

''This irreat and yood iiiai: lias, ere this, arrived within our 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 115 

State borders. Before our paper is again issued, we shall have 
welcomed to our city the hero whose military fame, unsullied 
patriotism and unmerited sufferings have excited the admiration 
of all who have either witnessed or heard of his noble deeds and 
virtuous conduct." 

In its issue of March 8, 1825, The Register contained the fol- 
lowing description of La Fayette's arrival : 

''On Tuesday night they (La Fayette, his son, George Wash- 
ington, and secretary) slept at Col. Allen Page's, eleven miles 
from this city, and about 12 o'clock on Wednesday arrived in 
town. They were met a few miles from this place by the well- 
disciplined corps of cavalry, under the command of Col. Thomas 
Polk, of Mecklenburg. The General and suite alighted from 
tlieir carriages and were introduced to the company, individu- 
ally, after which, preceded by the cavalry and followed by nearly 
a hundred citizens on horseback, who had gone to meet him, they 
proceeded to this city. At the lindts thereof they were met by 
the handsome company of light infantry, commanded by John 
S. Ruffin, which received him with military honors. Here the 
General again alighted and was presented to each member of the 
company, the interest of which scene was heightened by fine 
martial music from an excellent band. After this ceremony the 
procession moved in the following order to the Government 
House: First, the cavalry; then followed the infantry, succeed- 
ing which, in an open barouche, drawn by four elegant iron- 
grays, with out-riders, were General La Fayette and Col. Wil- 
liam Polk; after which, in carriages, also drawn by four horses 
each, were George W. La Fayette, the secretary — M. Le Vas- 
seur — the State escort, etc. As the cavalcade proceeded, a Fed- 
eral salute was fired from cannon placed in the Capitol Square, 
on reaching which the General was greeted with the cheers of 
the assembled multitude. Every door, window and piazza on the 
street was crowded mtli ladies, who manifested their gratifica- 
tion by waving their handkerchiefs, etc. On reaching the Gov- 
ernment House the militaiy filed off on each side, leaving a 
space through which the General, suite and escort passed. In 
the vestibule thev were received by the Governor and committee 



116 HISTORICAL RALEIGH 

of arrangements and conducted to the reception chamber, where 
were the heads of the departments, judiciary and other citizens. 
Governor Burton then welcomed him in an eloquent address. In 
the evening a ball was given, complimentary to the General, held 
at the Government House. In the centre of the room, surmount- 
ing the pillars, appeared, in large golden character, the name 
La Fayette. Though no military trophies adorned the walls, 
no splendid ornaments excited admiration, yet there were two 
subjects which spoke to the memory and feeling — a large, full- 
length portrait of Washington and the living presence of his 
great coadjutor in the work of glory." 

Suspended to the wall of the Senate hall in the capitol there 
may now be seen a beautiful lithographic representation of Gen- 
eral La Fayette and Miss Betsy Haywood (daughter of Treas- 
urer Haywood and sister of Dr. E. Burke Haywood) as they 
appeared viewing in admiration the Canova statue of Washing- 
ton in the rotunda of the capitol. The following is the inscrip- 
tion at the foot of the picture : 

"Canova's statue of Gen. George Washington as it appeared 
on the pedestal in the State-house rotunda at Baleigh, Xortli 
Carolina. 

"A beautiful light, falling from the dome window upon tlie 
slab of marble, illuminates the whole statue. 

"La Fayette is represented A'iewing this masterly representa- 
tion of liis beloA'od General. 

"Respectfully dedicated to the Legislature of ^STorth Garolina 
by J. Weisman. 

"Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1840, by 
J. Weisman, in the Clerk's office of the District Court of the 
Eastern District of Pa. 

"P. S. Duval, Lith., Phila." 

A DISTINGUISHED VISITOR- HENRY CLAY 

Xo even I tlinl liad ever occurred in the history of Raleigh was 
hailed Avith so much joy or aroused more enthusiasm than the 
visit, in April, 1844, of Henry Clay, the Whig candidate for 
President. Thousands of people came from various parts of the 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 117 

State to do honor to the statesman. The hotels were all fnll, as 
were the hoarding-houses, and more than a thousand persons 
camped out, in the suburbs of the city, having journeyed their 
way to Raleigh in wagons — a great number of them many 
miles — in full expectation of caring for themselves while here 
in this manner. Four or five acres were closely studded with 
vehicles of every description, with baggage wagons and tents of 
evei*y form and variety. 

Mr. Clay arrived on the 12th of April, at 7 o'clock in the 
evening, under escort of a committee who had gone to meet him, 
accompanied by Captain Stith's cavalry, Captain Lucas' in- 
fantry and the committee of reception. On his arrival here, 
Hon. George E. Badger delivered an address of welcome, after 
Avhich Mr. Clay was escorted to the Governor's Palace, where 
he Avas introduced to the chief executive. Later he was escorted 
to the residence of Mr. Badger, at whose home he was the guest 
during his sojourn here. 

On the next day a procession formed at the Capitol Square at 
11 o'clock. It then moved to the Governor's Palace, where Mr. 
Clay was received in an open carriage drawn by four gray horses, 
and escorted to the capitol. Here, after being introduced to the 
vast assemblage of people present, he delivered an address of 
two hours' length. 

Then followed a big barbecue at Benehan's Grove. Mr. T. H. 
Snow (grandfather of the prominent attorney, W. B. Snow, 
Esq.), Avho was orderly sergeant of the Raleigh Guards, was 
chairman of the committee of arrangements. (Benehan's Grove 
was on the square or block bounded by Morgan, Bloodworth, 
Blount, and Hargett streets.) 

At night the city was illuminated in honor of Mr. Clay, and 
a grand display of fireworks was witnessed, under the direction 
of CoL W. H. H. Tucker. 

The next day, being Sunday, Mr. Clay attended divine wor- 
ship at Edenton Street Methodist Church. 

An interesting incident of Mr. Clay's visit was the presenta- 
tion to him, by Miss Lucilla Harriss, of Granville County, of a 
beautiful silk vest pattern, "of her own manufacture, from the 



118 HISTORICAL RALEKtH 

cocoon to the beautiful fabi'ic, with the request that he slioukl 
wear it when he shall deliver his inaugural address on the 4th 
of March, 1845, as President of the United States." Alas! 

Mr. Clay received the vest "wdth many thanks, most heartily 
and delicately expressed, and said that if he lived and should 
be the choice of the people for the presidency he would be too 
glad to comply with the request. He then turned and exhibited 
the vest to the audience, who "applauded in rapturous peals of 
gratulation," as one enthusiastic supporter of the Whig candi- 
date expressed it. 

The distinguished guest left Raleigh Monday for Petersburg, 
under escort of a special committee from that city. 

It was in Raleigh that Mr. Clay Avrote the ill-fated letter 
opposing the annexation of Texas to the United States, which, it 
was thought, defeated him for the presidency. 

THE DECADE FROM 1850 TO 1860 

The decade from 1850 to 1860 was one of the most prosperous 
since the establishment of the State Government at the city of 
Raleigh. During that period many public enterprises were coni- 
nienced, and rapid progress in the development of the State's 
resources had been made. The handsome building for the educa- 
tion of the deaf and duiiib niid the blind had been completed and 
occupied; tlie Insane Asylum (now the (Vntral Hospital for the 
Insane) had been established and the buildings erected; a fine 
female school had been established by the Methodists on Hills- 
boro Street ; St. Mary's School, which had been in successful 
operation for ten years or more, had been greatly improved; the 
i^orth Carolina Railroad had been built from Goldsboro to Char- 
lotte, nuiking connection with other railroads on the south an.l 
v^ast ; connection had been made with the Wilmington k Weldon 
Railroad and the Raleigh <iv: Gaston road bv building the con- 
nection between Gaston and Weldon ; tlic Atlantic k Xorth Caro- 
lina Railroad was completed from Goldsboro to Morehead (Mty, 
thus connecting the Atlantic Ocean on the east with the moun- 
tains on tlie west. The North Carolina State Agricultural So- 
ciety Avas organized during this decade, and the first State Fair 
was held in 1852 ; gas works were established and Raleigh was 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 119 

first lighted with gas in October, 1858; the public-school system 
was thoroughly reorganized, and the first Superintendent of 
Public Instruction was elected by the Legislature at the session 
of 1852-'53. 

Prominent among Raleigh subscribers to the private stock of 
the ISTorth Carolina Ilailroad were C. B. Root, William Stronach, 
William Boylan, W. W. Ilolden, G. W. Mordecai, Jas. McKini- 
mon, T. P. Devereux, Fabius J. Haywood, Jerry Nixon, W. W. 
Vass, and many others too numerous to here mention. The 
record from which we gather this information contains the 
names of about one hundred and fifty subscribers, most of whom 
were citizens of Raleigh. The largest of these subscribers was 
G. W. Mordecai, Avho subscribed for one hundred and eighty 
shares. 

Comiected with the Xorth Carolina and Raleigh k Gaston 
railroads at different periods as agent in Raleigh was John C. 
West, father of Col. N". W. West, a Confederate veteran and one 
of the capital city's prominent citizens. 

Dr. Edw^ard C. Fisher, who was a Virginian by birth, was the 
first superintendent of the Insane Asylum, and W. D. Cooke the 
first principal of the Deaf and Dumb Institution. Dr. Albert 
Anderson is now the superintendent of the former and Mr. John 
E. Ray the principal of the latter institution. 

The census of 1850 gave the number of inhabitants of Raleigh 
as only 4,518. This is not strange, for we had no cotton market, 
and, although half a century had elapsed since the invention of 
the cotton-gin, still only enough of the fleecy staple was grown 
to supply the demands of the grower. This was made into 
"homespun" goods by the use of hand-cards, the spinning-wheel 
and the loom, which were found in the homes of all thrifty coun- 
try people. 

St. Mary's Seminary (now St. Mary's College) has been 
noticed at length in considering matters educational. 

The Raleigh Gas Works were constructed by Messrs. Water- 
house and Bowes in 1858 for the Raleigh Gas Company. Mr. 
BoAves died since the preparation of this work was begun, at the 
age of seventy-nine years. He M'as an esteemed and useful citi- 
zen. 



120 HISTORICAL RALEIGH 

The late William H. High, avIio for many years was Sheriff 
of Wake, was another resident of early times. He was a man 
much beloved by everybody. Contemporaneous with Mr. High 
was Col. W. F. Askew, the late W. H. Holleman and J. W. B. 
Watson, all of whom were men of property and influence, as 
Avere John C. Moore (father-in-law of Colonel Askew), James 
M. Harris, Jefferson Fisher, and Col. J. P. H. Russ. All of 
these were men of prominence in Raleigh and Wake County in 
the fifties. Sheriff High was the father-in-law of Mr. Vermont 
C. Royster, who married Hallie, Mr. High's youngest daughter. 

Dr. Richard B. Haywood, in 1850, had joined the ranks of 
practicing physicians, and before his death was among the ablest 
practitioners in his profession. At one time he was honored 
Avith the presidency of the State Medical Society. In 1851 he 
was united in marriage with Miss Julia Ogden Hicks, of IN^ew 
York. 

Dr. E. Burke Haywood was then winning distinction. He 
soon became one of the most eminent physicians and surgeons in 
the State. His widow is still living, aged eighty-one years. He 
was the father of Mr. Alfred Haywood, of Haw River, N. C. ; 
Ernest Haywood, Esq., and Dr. Hubert Haywood, of Raleigh. 

Dr. William H. McKee was also in full practice. He was an 
able physician and distinguished for his benevolence, which 
secured for him the love and honor of the needy poor. 

Another prominent physician at that period, and who was 
enjoying a good practise, was Dr. William (1. Hill. 

Dr. Charles E. Johnson had then been a resident of Raleigh 
five years, coming here from the east, where he had acquired a 
good practice in Bertie and Chowan counties. He, too, was a 
])hysician of distinction and noted for his charitable disposition. 
He was the fatlier of Col. Charles E. Johnson, the ])r()niiiient 
banker and financier, and Mayor James I. Johnson. 

Dr. Peter E. Hines located in Raleigh in the early fifties and 
was soon enjoying a good ])ractise. He was a physician of 
su])erior skill and noted for his broad benevolence. Everybody 
loved Dr. Hines. He d'wd at an advanced age a few years ago. 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 121 

His wife, who Avas Fannie I., daughter of Dr. Charles E. John- 
son, survives him. 

[Dr. F. J. Haywood, the ekler, is noticed elsewhere among the 
early inhabitants.] 

Among Dr. Johnson's descendants are Col. Charles E. John- 
son, president Raleigh National Banking and Trust Company, 
and Mr. James I. Johnson, the prominent East Martin Street 
pharmacist. 

Messrs. Marshall De Lancy, SherAvood and Howard Haywood 
are among the surviving descendants of Dr. Richard B. Hay- 
wood. 

The late Theophilus H. Hill, the famous Xorth Carolina poet, 
was a son of Dr. Hill. 

The Yarborough House was not opened to the traveling public 
till 1852, the need of a swell hotel of this character not hitherto 
having been felt. In that year, however, a stock company, Avith 
a capital of $20,000, Avas formed for the purpose of erecting this 
building. The stockholders Avere Maj. Moses A. Bledsoe, Jerry 
ISTixon, Dabney Cosby, and Edward Yarborough. The hotel was 
placed under the management of the latter gentleman, and for 
this reason was designated the Yarborough House. Mr. Yar- 
borough, prior to this time, had been proprietor of the Guion 
Hotel (the present Agricultural Building). The historic Yar- 
borough House has recently been improved and equipped, the 
aggregate cost coA^ering $100,000. 

K. R. Weathers at this period Avas a large grocery merchant, 
conducting business on Market Street. He Avas a man of piety 
and charitable impulses, and had many friends. At one time he 
AA^as a man of considerable means. Mr. Weathers Avas the father 
of Mrs. J. B. Martin and Mr. K. W. Weathers, of Raleigh; 
Mrs. Emma Jones, of Sanford, and Mr. C. M. Weathers, of 
Richmond, Va. 

Henry Fendt, at the time of his death, a foAv years ago, 
had been a resident for half a century, coming here from Ger- 
many in 1852. He first clerked in the confectionery store of 
F. Mahler and later Avorked for Peter Seilig, Avho kept a small 
music store in a little Avooden buildine: on the site of the Fisher 



122 HISTORICAL KALEIGH 

Building. Subsequently Mr. Fendt went into the confectionery 
business and for a long time was the only merchant, besides Wil- 
liams &r Haywood, who kept a soda fountain in the city. The 
only flavorings kept were lemon, strawberry, raspberry, Vanilla, 
ginger, etc. Coca colas and the other new-fangled drinks were 
not introduced until "after the war." 

M. Grausman became a resident of Raleigh about the year 
]8.55, and was soon a leading business man. He was a mer- 
chant tailor. Mr. Grausman was a man noted for his learning 
and purity of character, and kad many friends. He died in 
1892. The sons and daughters surviving him are Dr. Philip 
Grausman, of jSTew York; Mr. M. Grausman, Mrs. Hannah 
Rosenthal and Mrs. Helen Elias, residents of Raleigh. 

The first planing-mill Raleigh had ever known was erected in 
the latter part of the fifties by Dr. T. D. Hogg and Robert Hay- 
wood. It was situated in the northwest portion of the city, near 
the tanks of the Standard Oil Company. Briggs k Dodd were 
soon competitors of this enterprise, which, after a year or two, 
went out of business. Until this time, all Aveatlier-boarding, 
flooring and trimmings were planed by hand. 

Now and theii there leaves his rural home some young man, 
who, recognizing the many advantages for development in a city 
not found in a less thickly settled conimuiiity, comes hither, and 
by industry and integrity hews his Avay to the front and leaves 
his impress for good on generations yet to come. In 1856 one 
such as this, then a mere lad, came to Raleigh. This was Xeed- 
ham B. Broughton, whose father died when he was but six years 
of age. His widowed mother succeeded to the sole care of seven 
small children — four sons and thi'ee daughters. Xeedham was 
the fiftli child, and his mother placed him, in early life, in a 
printing office to be trained to the art of printing, and how well 
he learned it, results have shown. In church and Sunday-school 
work Mr. Broughton has no superior. A deacon in the Raleigh 
Ba))tist Tabernacle, in all the efforts nuide by this churcli to 
attain its present prominence he has always been in tlie lea:l. 

Mr. Richard H. Battle, recently deceased, for more than a 
generation was jironiinentlv identified with Raleigh, liaving been 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COl'NTY 123 

a resident since 1862, Avhen lie was appointed by Governor Z. B. 
Vance as his private secretary. Two years later he was ap- 
pointed to the office of Secretary of State by the same authority, 
to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Hon. Samuel 
F. Phillips. He filled many other positions of honor and trust, 
and in them all proved faithful. Mr. Battle Avas born in Louis- 
burg in 1835. 

One of Raleigh's staunchest inhabitants was E. F. Wyatt, who 
came to Raleigh in the fifties and continued here his residence 
until his death, in 1901. He was a saddler and harness-maker, 
and under the firm name of E. F. Wyatt Sz Son conducted suc- 
cessfully a business of this character on East Martin Street. 
Although of unassuming manner and modest disposition, he was 
a man of exalted character and sterling qualities. At his death 
he was eighty-one years of age. 

Mr. Pulaski Cowper, who died in 1902, was one of Raleigh's 
most prominent citizens. He came here to reside in 1855. He 
was of a most genial disposition and much beloved by every one 
who knew him personally. A man of fine literary attainments, 
he left many valuable productions of his pen. At the time of 
his death he was president of the North Carolina Home Insur- 
ance Company, and had theretofore held many other positions of 
honor and trust. 

Of those who came among us at this period and is pleasantly 
remembered by a wide circle of friends was Sanuiel Parish. For 
some time his business was that of a carriage painter, but later 
he opened a business for house and sign painting. He was a 
very superior workman and a good citizen. 

Coming to Raleigh and settling here at this period were Robert 
Dobbin and Joseph Watson. They were shoemakers by trade, 
and artists they Avere, too, in their 'sphere of usefulness, and to 
be the owner of a pair of shoes made by either Dobbin or Watson 
was an enviable distinction. Messrs. Dobbin and Watson were 
good and upright citizens, and fulfilled faithfully all their rela- 
tions in life. Mr. Dobbin was the father of Theodore Dobbin, 
of the firm of Dobbin tt Ferrall. The surviving children of Mr. 
Watson are Sarah (Mrs. R. O. King) and Hattie, the widow of 
the late Jeff. Denton. 



12-4 HISTORICAL RALEIGH 

John B. ISTeatlieiy, wlio died in 1894, had been a resident of 
Raleigh since 1861 and held many positions of responsibility. 
He was a man of fine literary attainments, and, possessed as he 
was of a fund of wit and humor, his writings were always in- 
structive and entertaining. At one time he Avas engaged in the 
printing business with Messrs. John Nichols and John C. Gor- 
man. His widow is still living, a resident of Raleigh. 

Mr. Gorman was a native of Raleigh and a member of one of 
the oldest families of the cajDital. He Avas a printer, journalist 
and soldier. Before his death he had been a member of the 
General Assembly, Mayor of Raleigh, and was at one time 
Adjutant General of the State. He was a brother of Mrs. John 
Nichols and the late Mrs. Jacob S. Allen. 

[Prominent mention is made of Col. John Xichols in the 
chapter entitled ''Oldest Living Inhabitants."] 

In 1858 Lynn Adams and Wiliford LTpchurch had embarked 
in the grocery business, on Market Street, and were among the 
leading merchants. The late Len H. Adams was a clerk in the 
store of Lynn Adams. Subsequently he opened a grocery busi- 
ness of his own. Before his death, which occurred in 1912, he 
was known as one of the most prominent and successful mer- 
chants of his time. He was an upright man. a good citizen and 
devout Christian. 

At this period the post office was in an old wooden building- 
occupying the site of the Fisher Building, on Fayetteville Street. 
The postmaster was George T. Cooke. Among the clerks wei-e 
Mr. Daniel H. Young and the late Charles H. Belvin. 

Among the leading merchants and prominent citizens of the 
old days was Alexander Creech, a man of great energy and fine 
business ability. He was a native of Johnston County and 
opened a dry-goods business in Raleigh in 1855. He soon took 
high rank and Avas later termed by his friends as the "merchant 
prince." Good-natured, kind and agreeable to every one, he is 
pleasantly remembered by all who knew him. He died in 1892. 
Surviving him are Messrs. Joseph A. Creech, of Texas; John D. 
Creech, Portsmouth, Ya. ; Mrs. Charles M. Orr, of California, 
and Miss Flora E. Creech, of the internal revenue service in 
Raleigh. 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 125 

Contemporaneous with Mr. Creech Avas Mr. James J. Litch- 
ford, at one period Mr. Creech's partner in business. Honest 
and upright in character, James Litchford Avas a man who had 
the entire confidence of all with whom he had dealings. He was 
a prominent Odd Fellow and for many years secretary of the 
Grand Lodge. Mr. Henry E. Litchford is his only surviving 
son. 

HOW THE MILITARY BOYS WERE TRAPPED 
BY A HOTEL MAN 

The martial spirit of the young men was quite as prominent 
in ante-bellum days as now. At this period (1856) two military 
companies flourished — the ''Oak City Guards" and the ''Inde- 
pendent Guards" — and of one or the other nearly every young 
man was a member. Shortly after their organization these com- 
panies were invited to Haw River (a station on the I^orth Caro- 
lina Railroad) by one General Trollinger, who had just com- 
pleted a big hotel at that place, to join in the banquet Avith Avhich 
the opening of the house Avas to be celebrated. The boys ac- 
cepted and Avent off in high glee. They arrived in proper time 
and in good shape for the festivities, in which latter they all 
indulged to a degree. After supper each one of the guests was 
called upon for one dollar as compensation to the host for his 
spread, Avhich many refused to pay. The incident Avas the occa- 
sion of the following rhjine, Avhich Avas afterAvaixls sung on the 
streets by every boy in toAAm : 

"The Independent Guards went off ou a spree. 
Up to -General Trolliuger's to get their supper free; 
When they got their supper they had it all to buy. 
And had to pay a dollar or 'root hog or die.' " 

CONDITIONS IN 1860 

Although the population of Raleigh in 1S60 Avas but 4,780, yet 
the culture and refinement of the capital city seemed to justify 
the opening of a floral business. This Avas done by Messrs. Ham- 
ilton k Carter, Avho embarked in this enterprise on the block 
bounded bA" Morgan, Blount, Person and Hargett streets. It was 



126 HISTORICAL RALEIGH 

a small affair and suited the times, but bore no comparison to the 
establishment of Mr. Steinmetz, Avhich is now conducted so 
creditably on the northern suburbs of the city. 

Havens & Andrews were in copartnership as jdiotographic 
artists, and advertised they were taking a new style of picture, 
known as "the melainotype, for fifty cents upward." Andnnvs 
was also a portrait painter of fine talent. 

Raleigh now enjoyed the distinction of having a "minoi'al 
spring." It was in the vicinity of Smithfield and East streets 
and was owned by J. H. Kirkham. Season tickets sold for 
three dollars. Of course, the water would cure ''any disease 
which flesh was heir to!" The enterprise soon failed. 

J. B. Franklin had found that a new bakery was in demand, 
and John Maunder was conducting a prosperous nuirble yard. 
Strother & Marconi had opened a printing office exclusively for 
book and job work, Avhile P. Babcock and L. S. Perry were the 
only dentists. 

The Lawrence Hotel, Avhich had been on the site of the Federal 
post office building, and one of the leading hotels of the city, 
was destroyed by fire this year. The late Hon. Josiah Turner, 
of Hillsboro, was in the building at the time and narrowly 
escaped with his life. 

James D. Pullen, father of the late John T. Pullen, had 
opened the Planters Hotel, on the site now occui)ied by M. T. 
N^orris & Bro., on Wilmington and Martin streets, and James 
Bashford was conducting a carriage-making business on the cor- 
ner of Morgan and McDowell streets. 

L. D. Heartt was conducting a diy-goods store, as successor to 
Heartt 6;: Litchford. 

Williams k McGee (Alfred Williams and Tbaddeus McGee) 
were also keeping a dry-goods store. 

Dodd & Scheib had opened a confectionery store on Fayette- 
ville Street, where is now kept the music store of Darnell »t 
Thomas. Mr. Dodd (W. PI.) was the husband of Koxana, eldest 
daughter of W. C. Upchurch. 

Things were now looking good for the ca])ital city. A dancing 
school had opened for business — the first in the history of the 
city. 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 127 

A notable event in the history of Raleigh was the arrival here, 
in August, 1860, of Stephen A. Douglas, one of the candi- 
dates for President of the United States. He arrived on the 
evening of the 29th and was met at the depot by a committee and 
escorted to the Yarborough House, where he was welcomed to 
our city and State by Hon. Henry W. Miller. On Thursday 
afternoon he spoke from the eastern portico of the capitol to a 
large audience. Mr. Douglas had but little following here, and 
hence his visit created no enthusiasm, further than was shown 
by a great number of people coming out to hear him, because, 
perhaps, of his renown as a statesman. 

During this period the "Oak City Savings Bank" was organ- 
ized, with Dr. T. D. Hogg, president ; John G. Williams, cashier ; 
directors. Dr. T. D. Hogg, Quentin Busbee, H. S. Smith, John 
G. Williams. Mr. Williams was the father of Mr. John G. Wil- 
liams, a i3rominent citizen of Washington, D. C, where he occu- 
pies the position of auditor of the jNTorfolk 6: Washington Steam- 
boat Company. 

Mr. C. B. Edwards came to Raleigh about this period, and 
for many years has been one of its leading business men. His 
first work here was as an a])prentice in the office of TJie Church 
Intelligencer. After finishing his apprenticeship he worked as 
a compositor in a number of other offices, until 1872, when he 
formed a copartnership with Mr. IST. B. Broughton and estab- 
lished a book and job printing office. In 1910 he retired from 
the firm and is now devoting his energies to other business 
affairs. 

Few men in their sphere of life did more during their lifetime 
in assisting Raleigh in its growth than Benjamin F. Park, 
who came to Raleigh in the sixties. He was a well-known con- 
tractor, and many handsome residences in the capital city bear 
testimony to his skill. He was an upright man, a good citizen, 
and fulfilled well all his relations in life. Associated with him 
in business at different periods were Messrs. Marshall and Ander- 
son Betts and the late Len H. Royster, all of whom in their day 
Avere good citizens. Mr. Park was the father of Mr. Charles B. 
Park, instructor in the mechanical department of the A. & M. 



128 HISTORICAL RALEIGH 

College, and Mr. Joliii A. Park, president of the Raleigh Times 
Publishing Company. His widow, Mrs. Fannie (Bevers) Park, 
passed away a few months since. Mr. Charles Betts, an assist- 
ant in the county court clerk's office, is a son of Anderson Betts. 

THE DAWN OF A PERILOUS PERIOD 

The incidents of May 20, 1861, Avill remain as permanent in 
the history of Raleigh as the granite hall in which they occurred. 
From that eventful and historic day new scenes, new incidents 
and a dark future wound before our people. It was a turning 
point in our history. The dark clouds of the approaching storm 
arose before our people. The following pages will tell of some 
of the stirring events that lay in the immediate future. 

N^orth Carolinians, and especially those of Raleigh, are not a 
mercurial people. They are rather slow to move, but when once 
aroused they enter into the cause in which they are interested 
Avith an earnestness unsurpassed by any. The exciting times of 
the latter part of 1860 and early part of 1861, incident to the 
presidential election, did not seriously disturb our people, but 
when it was announced that Fort Sumter had been bombarded 
they awoke to the necessities of the occasion and became pre- 
pared to bear their part in the conflict that was noAv inevitable. 

Some time prior to the meeting of the State Convention which 
adopted the Ordinance of Secession, The Raleigh Register, a 
AVhig paper, in its issue of March 6th, in referring to Lincoln's 
inauguration and his policy, said: "For the first time the Fed- 
eral capital Avill bristle with anus to protect the person of the 
President from violence and the propei-ty of the Federal Gov- 
ernment from seizure and depredation. These will constitute 
most momentous and memorable events throughout coming 
time." 

Later the same paper said, in referring to the States that had 
seceded from the Union : "Just let them alone and leave them 
to work out the problem of a separate and independent govern- 
ment, and before Christmas some of them Avill be glad enough to 
return to the fold of the Union. Texas and Florida are not able 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 



129 



to support themselves, inueli less contribute anything to the sup- 
port and strength of the new Confederacy." 

A month or so afterwards the same paper said : "Seven States 
have left the Union, declaring they will never willingly return 
to it. We believe that Abraham Lincoln is about to wage a war 
of coercion against these States ; we believe that in this war the 
remaining slaveholding States will be involved, and we shall be 
found on the side of the section in which we were born and breJ, 
and in which live our kindred and our friends. If this makes us 
secessionists, then so let us be called." 

The first official information that a conflict between the North 
and the South would ensue from the election of Lincoln was by 
the following telegram from Simon Cameron, Secretary of War 
of the United States, sent to Governor Ellis : "To J. W. Ellis, 
Governor of Xorth Carolina : Call made on you by to-night's 
mail for two regiments of military for immediate service." 

The Governor promptly replied by saying : "I can be no party 
to this wicked violation of the laws of the country and to this 
war upon the liberties of the people. You can get no troops 
from ISTorth Carolina." 

On the 17th of April, Governor Ellis issued a proclamation, 
in which, after alluding to the foregoing facts, he exhorted "all 
good citizens throughout the State to be mindful that their first 
allegiance is due to the sovereignty which protects their honor 
and dearest interests, as their first service is due to the sacred 
defense of their hearths and to the soil Avhich holds the graves of 
our glorious dead." 

At that time "State's Rights," or secession, meetings were 
being held all over the State. 

THE STARS AND BARS UNFURLED 

At the outbreak of the Civil War much excitement often pre- 
vailed, and personal encounters between champions of secession 
and "Union men" were common. In April (1861) a "secession 
flag" was raised on a vacant lot on the east side of Fayetteville 
Street, between Hargett and Morgan, and was instantly fired 
n 



1.30 



HISTORICAL RALEIGH 



upon by a "Union man," which act came near precipitating a 
riot. Dmican Haywood and. Basil C. Manly, both of whom 
<,vere among the first to manifest their secession proclivities by 
Avearing upon their hats a red cockade (the badge of secession), 
had gone to this place with a secession or Confederate flag, for 
the purpose of hoisting it on a pole which had been erected for 
that purpose. On their arrival, with their friends, they found 
a number of antagonists, or "Union men," who displayed great 
opposition to the raising of this symbol of war. One of this 
number was armed with a shotgun, who avowed his determina- 




HARTHOLOMEW FIGURES MOORE (18(n-lS7S| 

Statesman and .Jurist 

tion to shoot down tlie flag the instant it was raised. The hot- 
headed secessionists were not to be thus deterred, and proceeded 
to carry out their purpose. By this time a reckless young fellow 
by the name of Tom Yates had secreted himself under an old 
shed near Wilmington Street. The flag was hoisted, but no 
sooner had its folds unfurled than bang! went Tom Yates' gun. 
At that niouH'iit Wiley Sauls, a daring leader of the "Union 
m(^n," advanced lo the pole, declaring his intention of cutting 
down the flag. One of those wlio had been ])rominent in the 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 131 

movement, being equally determined, at this juncture drew a 
pistol and threatened war upon Sauls and his friends if the 
emblem of State's rights was further molested. By this time 
cooler heads had arrived on the scene, and, their wise counsel 
prevailing, what had promised a serious riot was averted. 

The young men who had shown so much opposition to the 
secession movement in this and other ways were afterwards 
among the first, be it said to their credit, to shoulder their mus- 
kets and 2:)i'ove their loyalty to their native land. Many of them 
are sleeping to-day on Virginia's soil. 

Shortly after the occurrence of the foregoing incident, a large 
and enthusiastic "secession" meeting was held, to which were 
invited all parties who desired "to unite in resisting the usurper, 
Lincoln," as the newly elected President was termed. Dr. Fabius 
J. Haywood (father of the late Dr. F. J. Haywood, Jr.) was 
made chairman of the meeting, and Mr. C. B. Root, secretary. 
At this meeting the reply of Governor Ellis to Lincoln for troops 
was heartily endorsed. Maj. A. M. Lewis was the chairman of 
the committee to draft resolutions. 

"Union meetings" were also held. At one of these Governor 
"W. W. Holden, then editor of The Weekly Standard (a Demo- 
cratic journal), said: "Vote for no man who will not pledge 
himself to work zealously for the Union. Better to give time 
now to save it than to deplore its destruction throughout all time 
to come !" 

NORTH CAROLINA RENOUNCES HER ALLEGIANCE TO 
THE FEDERAL UNION 

The most exciting time ever experienced in Raleigh was on the 
20th of May, 1861, the day on Avhich the State severed its con- 
nection with the Union by the adoption of the Secession Ordi- 
nance. This was done through a State convention, which had 
been called for the purpose of considering what should be the 
attitude of the commonwealth with regard to the secession move- 
ment which was rife throughout the South. As soon as the 
result was announced, one hundred guns were fired in the Capi- 



132 



HISTOKICAL RALEIGH 



tol Square and the bells of the city ruug, amid the deafening 
shouts of an excited multitude. The people were wild. 

The following is a verbatim copy of the Ordinance of Seces- 
sion : 

"We, the people of the State of JSTorth Carolina, in convention 
assembled, do declare and ordain, and it is hereby declared and 
ordained, that the ordinance adopted by the State of North 
Carolina in the Convention of 1789, whereby the Constitution of 
the United States was ratified and adopted, and also all acts and 
parts of acts of the General Assembly ratifying and adopting 
amendments to the said Constitution, are hereby repealed, re- 
scinded and abrogated. 

"We do further declare and ordain that the Union now sub- 
sisting between the State of North Carolina and the other States 
under the title of the United States of America is hereby dis- 
solved, and that the State of North Carolina is in full possession 
and exercise of all those rights of sovereignty which belong and 
appertain to a free and independent State." 

The military spirit of the people was by tliis time fully 
aroused. Besides organizations for field duty, a company known 
as the "Home Guard" was fomied, composed of men beyond the 
age of forty-five, the most active members of which were to patrol 
the city every night when so directed. However, a communica- 
tion was sent to one of the papers, signed "Lady," saying : "We 
desire no such company; let them go where they are needed." 
The editor, after commending the lady's spirit, commented thus: 
"Nearly every lady in town was for secession long before the war 
began, and now they actually want all the men to leave and go 
into the field, Avhile they will ])rotect themselves. Hurrah for 
the ladies of Raleigh !" 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 133 

PREPARATIONS FOR THE "IRREPRESSIBLE CONFLICT" 

"Fortli from its scabbard, pure and bright 
Flashed the sword of Lee ! 
Far ill tlie front of the deadly fight. 
High o'er the brave in the cause of Right. 
Its stainless sheen, like a beacon light. 
Led us to viclory." 

— Rev. Father Ryan. 

At the outbreak of the Civil War there were organized in 
Raleigh three companies — one of artillery and two of infantry. 
Nearly every one who enlisted at that time joined one or the 
other of these organiz^ations. Still there were some who united 
themselves with other commands. Their names are heroin given, 
as well as those joining the home companies. Later, in 1862, 
another company was formed here, most of the members of which 
had resided in Raleigh. 

The following are the names of all the Raleigh boys who were 
in the Confederate ser^'ice in any capacity, whether as officers 
or privates, at any time during the war, from the firing on Fort 
Sumter in 1861 to the surrender at Appomattox in 1865 : 

Tenth Regiment — Company A. 

This company was first known as Ramseur's Battery and was 
organized in Raleigh in April, 1861, with S. D. Raniseur as cap- 
tain. This officer was afterwards promoted, and Basil C. Manly, 
of Raleigh, commissioned in his stead. The only otlier officers 
of this company who were residents of Raleigh at the time of 
their commission were B. B. Guion and William J. Saunders. 

The non-commissioned officers were : Phil. H. Sasser, first ser- 
geant ; James D. Newsom, second sergeant ; James McKimmon, 
fourth sergeant ; William E. Pell, first corporal ; N. W. West, 
artificer. 

The privates were : C. R. Harris, C. Harward, J. S. Harward, 
E. Telfair Hall, G. W. Perry, Samuel Snow, W. A. Wedding, 
W. H. Bledsoe, J. Pugh Haywood, Herbert Bragg, E. F. Page, 
J. Q. DeCarteret, J. J. Iredell, C. T. Iredell, George M. Whiting, 
W. F. Ramsey, Charles McKimmon, W. M. Jones. 



334 HISTORICAL RALEIGH 

Fourteenth Regiment — Company E. 

Tins company was organized in 1861, with George H. Fari- 
bault as captain. Other captains at later periods were William 
T. Poole, Jefferson M. Henson. Other officers were Marcellus 
Thompson, first lieutenant ; John W. Harrison, second lieuten- 
ant ; James Murray Royster, third lieutenant. 

The noncommissioned officers were : W. H. Hamilton, Wil- 
liam H. Finch, William C. Parker, William H. Vaughn, Albert 
D. Carter, James J. Lewis, Washington W. Overby, Eufus W. 
Smith, Joseph Woodroe. 

^one of the privates of this company, except Washington 
Overby, Sidne^^ Taylor and Joseph Woodroe, Avere residents of 
Raleigh, and hence their names are omitted. 

Fourteenth Regiment — Company K. 

This company was organized in 1861, Avith William H. Harri- 
son as captain. Captain Harrison resigned in 1862 and Joseph 
Jones was promoted to this rank. The other commissioned 
officers were : Lieutenants Sion H. Rogers, Pinckney C. Hardie, 
Quentin Busbee, Seaton Gales, John S. Bryan, Charles W. 
Beavers. 

The noncommissioned officers were : James D. Hollister, R. C. 
Badger, E. M. Roberts, James A. Puttrick, Peter Suggs, Rufus 
H. Ruth, Austin Moss, Charles Kruger, Henry Halm, Heury 
Freibes. 

The privates were: J. Quint. Bryan, Peter Blum, William 
Champion, William Chamblee, John L. Cooper, John Driver, 
Bryant Dinkins, R. IST. Fennell, William L. Gooch, George W. 
High, M. Harrison, William J. Hall, George Hood, Thomas G. 
Jenkins, Eldridge Johnson, L. N". Keith, F. Keuster, H. H. Mar- 
tindale, W. T. Moss, George D. Miller, W. L. Xowell, R. G. 
Xowell, William H. Putney, J. B. Perkinson, Henry Penning- 
ton, David W. Royster, J. R. Renn, S. A. Smith, I.' D. Smith, 
Marion Smith, S. W. Smith, George T. Stronach, John C. 
Synie, Sim Smith, Wiley Sauls, John D. Thompson, E. M. Wag- 
staff, Samuel C. White,' W. W. Wynne. 

The foregoing list of members of the Tenth and Fourteenth 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COrXTY 135 

regiments refer to the men as they enlisted, or to officers as they 
were commissioned or appointed when entering the army. This 
fact must be considered if it should be discovered that at a later 
period any private or officer bore a rank or filled a position dif- 
fering from that herein set out. 

Forty-seventh Regiment — Company C. 

This company was organized in Raleigh in February, 1862, 
with Everard Hall as captain ; Campbell T. Iredell, first lieu- 
tenant; David W. Whitaker and George M. Whiting, second 
lieutenants. Other members of this organization were : ISTat. L. 
Brown, J. C. Syme, L. M. Green, George B. Moore, W. P. Bragg, 
Jonas Medlin, James M. Royster, Joseph Woodard, E. A. Wil- 
liams. 

Other officers and men of this regiment, but members of other 
companies, were : Col. Sion H. Rogers, Chaplain W. S. Lacy, 
Capt. George M. Whiting, Lieut. John T. Womble, Lieut. 
Charles C. Lovejoy, Lieut. C. Hutchings, James F. Andrews, 
A. D. Royster, John S. Primrose, Mart. Thompson, Drum Major 
W. D. Smith, W. C. Stronach, Richard Putney, A^icholas Gill, 
George S. Hines. 

The following residents of Raleigh Avere members of various 
commands : Lieut. F. H. Busbee, Seventy-first Regiment ; Sher- 
wood Badger; George Badger; William Carter, Thirty-first 
Regiment; Dr. P. E. Hines, Surgeon First JSTorth Carolina 
Regiment; F. J. Haywood, Adjutant Fifth ISTorth Carolina Regi- 
ment ; C. M. Busbee, Sergeant-Major Fifth North Carolina Regi- 
ment; Lieut. Joseph Haywood, Mallett's Battery; Lieut. P^thel- 
red Jones, Twelfth Virginia Regiment ; J. C. Marconi, Sergeant 
Cummings' Battery; L. D. Womble, Cummings' Battery; Maj. 
H. M. Miller, Cox's Brigade; W. B. Royster, Fifty-sixth Regi- 
ment; A. B. Stronach, Starr's Battery; Rev. B. Smedes, Chap- 
lain Fifth Regiment; Lieut. Edward Smedes, Fifth Regiment; 
Ives Smedes, Tucker's Cavalry; Lieut. A. K. Smedes; Maj. 
W. J. Saunders ; Courier G. L. Tonnoifski, Seventeenth Regi- 
ment; C. D. Upchurch; Lieut. William Haywood; Lieut. Dun- 
can Haywood, Seventh Regiment ; George Lovejoy, Lieutenant- 



136 HISTORICAL RALEIGH 

Colonel Fourteenth Regiment ; G. IST. Richardson, Fifty-second 
Regiment ; A. J. McAlpin ; Thomas Chrisman ; Maj. James Ire- 
dell ; Henry J. Brown; Singleton Lacy (Virginia Regiment); 
Lieut. John Bragg; Capt. A. W. Lawrence; Surgeon-General 
Charles E. Johnson ; Surgeon-General E. Burke Haywood ; Col. 
Daniel G. Fowle; Lieut. John B. Neathery; Maj. John C. Win- 
der; Maj. A. M. Lewis; James B. Jordan, Adjutant Twenty- 
sixth Regiment; Maj. John Devereux; Capt. M. A. Bledsoe; 
Maj. Thomas D. Hogg; Lieut. Thad. McGee; Lieut. Charles H. 
Thompson ; Capt. Delamar Husted ; Capt. J. R. Smith, Sev- 
entieth Regiment ; W. H. Bledsoe, Manly's Battery ; Hugh 
Camphell, Seventieth Regiment ; Lieut. John S. Pescud, Reese's 
Battery; J. M. Towles, Seventieth Regiment; C. S. Weddon, 
Seventieth Regiment ; Lieut. Thomas G. Jenkins, Forty-fourth 
Regiment ; Lieut. M. B. Barhee, Sixth Regiment ; Capt. R. S. 
Tucker, Third Cavalry ; Lieut. Cadwalader Iredell, Third Cav- 
alry; P. H. Young, Third Cavalry; Capt. Drury Lacy, Forty- 
third Regiment ; Lieut. -Col. Ed. Graham Haywood, Seventh 
Regiment ; Lieut. Thomas Badger, Forty-third Regiment ; Lieut. 
James McKee, Seventh Regiment ; T. P. Devereux, Forty-third 
Regiment. 

STIRRING EVENTS IN RALEIGH^1861-'65 

There was now settled conviction in the minds of all that war 
was inevitable, and that, although the conflict might be brief, 
yet hardship and deprivation in all probability would have to be 
endured, not only by the soldiers in the field, but by their loved 
ones at home. Means were early sought to diminish as much as 
])ossible this condition, especially in so far as the families of the 
soldiers were concerned. The first action taken in this direction 
was the holding of a mass-meeting, at wliicli resolutions were 
ado])ted "instructing tlie mayor and commissioners to appropri- 
ale an amount suflicient to furnish at least the necessaries of life 
to the needy families of those who may enter tlH> volunteer serv- 
ice from the city, during their absence." Hon. John H. Bryan, 
Maj. Moses A. Bledsoe and Rev. T. E. Skinner composed the 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 137 

committee to draft resolutions. It is not learned what amounts 
were afterw^'ards realized, but, of course, donations were liberal. 

The battle of Bethel, the first engagement of the war, was 
fought within a month after the State had seceded from the 
Union. In Raleigh there was great rejoicing over the news of 
our victory, announcing ''the defeat of 4,500 of Lincoln's hire- 
lings by 1,160 JSTorth Carolinians and Virginians," as a current 
newspaper stated it. This was the battle in which fell the first 
martyr to the "Lost Cause" — Henry Wyatt, who, although not a 
Raleigh boy, was a valiant soldier. Mr. R. H. Bradley, the 
Supreme Court librarian, was a member of Wyatt 's company 
and within a few feet of the young hero when he received his 
mortal wound. 

The two political parties at this time — the Democratic and the 
"Whig — were known, the former as the Disunion or Secession 
party, the latter as the Conservatives. These, though nominally 
favoring secession, were in reality Unionists. In other words, 
the Whigs reluctantly favored the war, while the Democrats were 
anxious for the conflict. The two leading papers, The Register 
and The Standard, represented these parties — the former the 
Whigs and the latter the Democrats. On one occasion, in 1861, 
Mr. John AV. Syme, one of the editors of The Register, having 
taken offense at an editorial in The Standard; challenged its 
editor, Mr. Holden, for a duel. This was in May, 1861, before 
the State had formally withdrawn its allegiance to the Union. 
Mr. Syme, in the note or letter constituting the challenge, said 
he had found language used that was highly offensive to him, 
and added : ''As soon as I can procure the services of a friend, 
you shall hear further from me on the subject." J. W. Cameron 
was the bearer of the challenge. 

Mr. Holden, in refusing to accept the challenge, rejilied : "I 
do not approve of or practice the code of the duelist. The code 
of honor is barbarous and unchristian. If I wrong a man I will 
right him and do him justice. I do not fear you, nor any one 
else ; nor do I, when I know I am right, fear the public opinion 
which sustains the code of the duelist." This was the last of the 
matter, and no more was heard of it. 

At this period there were a great many Unionists (as they 



138 HISTORICAL RALEIGH 

"were called) in Raleigh, and much feeling existed between these 
and the secession papers, especially The State Journal, which 
was extremely violent in its denunciation of Union men. At one 
time some of these latter had threatened the editor. This 
reached his ears, and the following are his observations in the 
next issue of his paper : "A reign of terror on a small scale 
exists in Raleigh. The people will one day open their ej^es to 
its originators. We have been notified that a body of one hun- 
dred men were ready to /ride us on a rail.' They may do so, but 
it "wall be Avhen life is extinct and when we have taken some of 
them with us to the judgment seat. We defy the whole pack." 

The news of the battle of Manassas, which was fought on 
July 21, 1861, created great joy. One newspaper headed the 
article announcing the battle thus : "Another great victory ! The 
plains of Manassas rendered immortal ! The great Army of the 
Potomac routed ! Victory crowns our arms ! The Hessians flee ! 
The Confederates pursue ! One hundred and sixty thousand 
men on the field ! Great slaughter on both sides !" After de- 
scribing the battle, the paper thus expresses its enthusiasm : 
"This blow will shake the N'orthern Union in every bone; the 
echo will reverberate round the globe. It secures the independ- 
ence of the Southern Confederacy." 

Dr. Charles E. Johnson, of Raleigh, who was then Surgeon- 
General of the State, with several of his staff, was at once dis- 
patched to the hospitals near Manassas to render proper assist- 
ance to the wounded. Some A'isible signs of victory soon ap- 
peared, for in the early fall of that year more than two hundred 
Yankee prisoners passed through Raleigh — "on their Avay to win- 
ter quarters in Columbia," as one paper stated. 

The first regimental hospital was organized in May, 1861, by 
Dr. P. E. nines, avIio accompanied the First Regiment to York- 
town as its surgeon. 

The first military hospital for Xorth Carolina troops was 
established in Raleigh in April, 1861, by Dr. E. Burke Haywood. 
The memory of this good man is revered by many old soldiers 
Avho were relieved of much pain and saved from an imtimely 
death by his great love, skill and sympathy. The hospital was 
subsequently known as Pettigrew Hospital. 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 13D 

SACKING OF NEWSPAPER OFFICES 

For more than two years anterior to the period herein men- 
tioned there had not been entire harmony between the two 
Raleigh newspapers in regard to the policy thought proper for 
the Confederacy to pursue in regard to the Avar, The State 
Journal favoring the ''last man and last dollar" course, while 
Mr. Holden's paper, The Standard, insisted on policies of peace 
on less stringent terms. This was as well known to soldiers at 
the front as to citizens at home, and their disapproval of such 
policy culminated in disaster to these journals. The soldiers who 
sought an expression of their displeasure of The Standard's 
course were members of Colonel Wright's regiment, Benning's 
(Georgia) brigade, and the opportunity was furnished them 
while being delayed in Raleigh a few hours on their way from 
northern Virginia to Chickamauga in 1864. 

On their arrival here, one night in September of the above- 
mentioned year, learning of the situation of The Standard office, 
they at once marched in a body to the object of their violence, 
and without ceremony proceeded to batter down the doors of the 
building from which this paper had been published. They 
grasped everything within their reach, and then the work of 
destruction began. Nothing upon which they could lay their 
hands was spared from injury. Cases of type were emptied on 
the floor and many of them flung into the street ; the ponderous 
marble slabs on which lay the pages of set type, ready for the 
next issue, were turned over, throwing the type into a huge heap 
on the floor, and kegs of ink turned out or spilt over everything. 
For some unknown cause, the press escaped, perhaps because it 
was in another part of the building. 

During this proceeding Governor Vance was made acquainted 
Avith the affair, and he lost no tijne in going rapidly to the scene 
to avert, if possible, the destruction of the office. He arrived, 
however, too late, for the soldiers had accomplished their pur- 
pose. 

Mr. Holden was not Avithout friends and supporters ; so, on 
the day folloAving, they proposed to be avenged. About 9 o'clock 



140 HISTORICAL RALEIGH 

in the morning the town hell was heard to ring vigorously, as if 
for an alarm of fire. Of course, a great crowd gathered, as 
usual, at the market house. On the south side of this, near 
where the Wilson apartment house is now situated, was the office 
of The State Journal, a violent "secession" (or war) newspaper. 
Before the hell had ceased ringing, it was observed that a scen(^ 
similar to the one above described was again being enacted in 
this office — not bv soldiers this time, howcA-er, but by "Union 
men" (or "red strings," as they were sometimes called), and 
supporters of The Standard's peace policy. The leader of the 
crowd was Mark Williams, a man of great determination, who 
declared his intention of lending his aid toward meting out to 
The Journal the same fate as had been suffered by TJie Standard 
the night before. J^o less than forty people, mostly young men, 
joined in this work of destruction, and but a few minutes Avere 
required to show how intense had been their spirit of retaliation. 
Every case of type was pitched out of the windows and all the 
other printing material of every description rendered absolutelv 
worthless. In this instance the printing press did not escape; it 
Avas broken to pieces and so completely demolished that re])aii" 
Avas beyond hope. 

During this time the police AA-ere ])OAverless, foi', besides their 
uumerical Aveakness, their inability to cope Avith tlie mob Avas 
augmented by their knoAvledge of the violent character of the 
men composing the mob. 

The Journal did not again make its apptnirance. 1"h(> next 
issue of The Standard was delayed for more than a niontli. 

SURRENDER OF RALEIGH TO GENERAL SHERMAN 

It was not until the arrival of Sherman's army in Goldsboro. 
in April, 1865, and his long halt at that place for the purpose of 
refitting and recruiting his exhausted troops, that the people of 
Tlaleigh entertained any serious apprehensions of being visited 
by the enemy. 

Johnson's Retreat. 

The surrender of General Lee, Avhich took ])lace on tli(> 9th 
of April, 1865, rendered it absolutely necessary that (Jcnci-al 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COUXTV 141 

Johnson should retreat as rapidly as possible to western North 
Carolina. The news of Lee's surrender reached Raleigh on the 
10th, and it was then that our people realized the fact that in our 
immediate vicinity the closing acts of the great drama would 
take place, and that in all probability "an army of occupation" 
would be quartered upon us to destroy what little of our sub- 
stance remained. We were not long in suspense. About the lOtli 
of April the advance of Johnson's retreating army entered and 
passed through the city. It was truh^ a sad sight. The band 
played "Dixie" and the worn-out veterans seemed to arouse 
every muscle to appear in their best plight. Their careworn 
faces, however, told the sad tale, and silently they wended their 
way westward. They were several days in passing through, and 
as they came the news was communicated that the "Yankees" 
Avere near at hand. 

Preparations for a Formal Surrender. 

In the meantime it was considered best that the city authori- 
ties should take some steps for the proper surrender of the city, 
which Johnson's retreat would necessarily leave at the mercy of 
the enemy. A meeting of the Board of Aldermen, then called 
Commissioners, was called and a committee appointed, consist- 
ing of several members of that body and some four or five other 
citizens. The duties of the committee thus appointed were to 
meet the advance of the Federal army a short distance from the 
city and formally surrender the same, but the particular manner 
in which the program was to be carried out was left, to a great 
extent, to Mayor W. IT. Harrison. 

The night of the 12th of April was one of extreme anxiety. 
Gen. Wade Hampton, with his cavalry force, occupied the city, 
nor did many of them leave until within a few hours of the 
enemy's approach to the corporate limits. Colonel Harrison 
was up the entire night in the discharge of his official duty. It 
was known that many of Hampton's cavalry, as was natural 
under the circumstances, were desperate and daring men, and 
the utmost vigilance on the part of the civil autliorities was 
necessary to preserve the peace. ; 



142 HISTORICAL RALEIGH 

Departure of the Committee. 

The morning of the 13th of April was a gloomy one, indeed. 
A steady rain had set in, and the sky was draped with black and 
ominous-looking clonds. x'Vbout sunrise the committee procured 
a carriage and proceeded out on the Holleman road to a point 
where it was crossed by the fortifications. The carriage con- 
tained, among others, Kenneth Eayner, P. F. Pescud, Mayor 
Harrison, Dr. Richard B. Haywood, Alexander Creech and 
W. R. Richardson, the latter riding on the seat with the driver 
and carrying a staff to which was attached a w^hite handkerchief, 
to be used as a flag of truce. Arriving at their destination, they 
awaited, amidst a drenching rain, the coming of the enemy. 

The "Yankees" in Sight. 

About 8 o'clock, from the summit of the hill beyond Walnut 
Creek, near the residence of the late W. H. Holleman, was seen 
a body of horsemen approaching. Suddenly they were observed 
to halt, and one of the foremost leveled a field spy-glass towards 
the place occupied by the committee. Then it was that Mr. 
Richardson, who had been assigned the duty of waving the flag 
of truce, stuck the emblem of peace on the top of the fortifica- 
tion. A few minutes afterward a detachment rode up to the 
committee, the officer in charge inquiring, "What does this 
mean?" Mr. Rayner replied that they Avere a joint delegation 
of city officials and citizens, who, in the absence of any military 
organizations, desired to surrender the city and ask protection 
for its noncombatants and public and private property. The 
officer replied that General Kilpatrick alone had authority to 
arrange terms of surrender. 

An Interview imth Kilpatrid-. 

The officer, with his escort, then returned to the main l)()dy of 
troops, and in a short while Gen. Judson Kilpati-ick, tlie noto- 
rious Federal cavalry commander, made his ai)iiearance before 
them. Mr. Rayner stepped forward and said: "This is General 
Kilpatrick, I presume?" "That is my name," replied Kilpat- 
rick; "whom do I address?" "My name, sir, is Rayner — Ken- 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 143 

neth Rayner," replied our spokesman, "and I have been selected 
to formally surrender the city of Raleigh to General Sherman's 
army." Mr. Rayner made an earnest and tender appeal for the 
protection of the city and her people, at which the committee 
found it difficult to repress their feelings, and tears moistened 
the eyes of all. Kilpatrick received the words of the speaker 
■wath cold indifference. He said he would ^jrotect the lives and 
property of all who yielded "obedience to law and order, but 
should pursue with relentless fury all traitors in armed opposi- 
tion to the integrity of the Union." 

The committee then returned to the city. 

At the Enemy's Mercy — An Incident. 

In a short while after the committee had returned, Kilpat- 
rick's cavalry began to enter the city. Passing rapidly up Fay- 
etteville Street towards the capitol, suddenly they came to a 
check, and at the same instant was heard a loud exclamation, 
"Hurrah for the Southern Confederacy !" accompanied by the 
report of a pistol in the hands of a Confederate officer, mounted 
and occupying the middle of the street, between what is now 
Hicks' pharmacy and the Administration building. He had 
fired at Kilpatrick's advance. Attempting to escape, he was 
captured and carried before Kilpatrick in the Capitol Square. 

Said the orderly having the prisoner in charge to Kilpatrick, 
"General, here is the man who fired at our advance." 

"To whose command do you belong?" asked Kilpatrick. 

"I belong to Hamilton's cavalry and am from Texas," replied 
the man. 

"Don't you know, sir, what the penalty is for resisting after 
terms of surrender have been agreed upon ?" said Kilpatrick. 

"I knew nothing about the surrender, and I didn't shoot at 
anybody." 

"I understood," said Kilpatrick, "that you are one of these 
fellows who have been breaking open stores and committing rob- 
bery during last night and early this morning, and your action 
to-day has endangered the lives of many of the citizens of this 
town. You deserve death, sir. Orderly," he continued, "take 
this man out, where no ladies can see him, and hang him !" 



144 HISTORICAL KALEIGH 

Efforts were made by some of our prominent citizens to save 
the man who was about to yield up his life for an act of folly, 
but to no purpose. He was taken to the southeast corner of what 
was then known as the Rayner Grove, beyond the Governor's 
Mansion, and hung to a tree, under which he was buried. His 
remains were afterwards taken up and deposited in the Confed- 
erate Cemetery. 

A similar incident, ending more fortunately, soon afterwards 
took place. 

Early on the morning of the surrender, Lieutenant James, of 
the Confederate service, who had been attached to the provost 
marshal's office here, while returning on horseback from a visit 
to lad_y friends in the northeastern part of the city, was met by 
some of Kilpatrick's cavalry, Avho, observing that he wore the 
uniform of a Confederate officer, surrounded him to surrender. 
This he refused to do, but endeavored to defend himself by reach- 
ing for his pistol. He was, however, overpowered and taken 
])risoner. This was soon after Kilpatrick had so summarily dis- 
posed of the unfortunate Texan. Being also carried before Kil- 
patrick, the latter, looking the young officer sternly in the face, 
said : 

•'Who are you, sir ?" 

"My name, sir, is James — Lieutenant James, of the Confeder- 
ate service," was the reply. 

''Why are you not with your command ? What are you doing 
straggling about? Are you a spy?" inquired Kilpatrick. 

"I am no straggler nor spy, either ; I am attached to the pro- 
vost marshal's office in this city," answered James. 

"Ah, indeed," said Kilpatrick; "so much the worse for you, 
sir ; you must have known of the surrender of the city, and yet, 
as I am informed, you showed fight when my men attempted to 
arrest you." 

"I did not know of the surrender," said James. "J had been 
visiting, and supposed from the action of your men that a skir- 
mish was going on between your advance and some of General 
Hamilton's rear. Such being my impression, I attempted to 
defend myself. I would do so again, sir." 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 145 

"I have just hung a man for an offense similar to yours, sir," 
said Kilpatrick. 

"Very well, sir," said James; "you have me in your power; 
you can hang me if you like." 

As this was said a thrill of terror ran through the bystanders, 
for there were numbers of our citizens on the spot, who surely 
thougl^t that the reply would be an order for another execution. 
Kilpatrick paused a moment, and, looking the young officer full 
in the face, the latter returning the gaze in a bold and defiant 
manner, answered: 

"No, I'll not hang you. Orderly," he continued, addressing 
the man in charge of the squad, "take charge of this young man 
until further orders." 

James was taken from the guards and placed in prison. He 
was released on parole in a few days. 

THE ASSASSINATION OF PRESIDENT LINCOLN 

I^ews of the assassination of the President Avas received here 
on the 15th of April, 1865, the day following the tragedy. The 
news spread rapidly among the soldiers of the army, as well as 
among the citizens of the town. As the story spread from mouth 
to mouth, the dimensions of the affair hugely increased, and the 
perpetrators of the deed were declared to be prominent officers 
of the Confederate Government, acting directly under instruc- 
tions from President Davis and his cabinet. Of course, there 
were not wanting those who sought by the most absurd recitals- 
to add fuel to the flames of excitement, in the hope of exciting 
the mob element of the Federal army to wreak vengeance upon 
the inhabitants of the city and thereby afford an excuse for plun- 
der and other outrageous deeds of violence. In the meantime 
a few of the citizens endeavored to obtain authentic information 
concerning the assassination from General Sherman, but without 
avail. 

A Night of Terroi\ 

On the 15th, night fell upon our people in a state of the wild- 
est excitement and alarm. All kinds of rumors were afloat as to 
10 



146 HISTORICAL RALEIGH 

the intentions of the army. Crowds of soldiers were to be seen 
standing at the corners of the different streets, loud in their 
expressions of indignation, and open in their declarations to 
have vengeance for what they termed the ''rebel murder." It 
was a terrible time. Many of the citizens petitioned for extra 
guards. Hundreds of people sat up during the entire night, 
expecting every moment mob violence. About 9 o'clock addi- 
tional alarm was created by the alann of "Fire !" Many thought 
that the work of destruction had commenced. Hundreds of citi- 
zens repaired to the scene of the flames, but the cause of excite- 
ment was happily discovered to be the accidental burning of a 
deserted workshop in the remote southeastern section of the city. 
The remaining portion of the night passed off in a comparatively 
quiet manner. 

It is authoritatively stated that but for the prompt action of 
Major-General Logan a mob would have sacked the city on the 
night above alluded to. He had arrived in the city during the 
day from Morrisville, and was in the early part of the night at 
the house of a well-known citizen, when he was called out by a 
private soldier, who told him that a part of his command, en- 
camped near the Insane Asylum, were on their way to the city 
for the purpose of burning it. He immediately mounted his 
horse and met the mob at the bridge over Rocky Branch, where, 
with mingled threats and entreaties, he dissuaded them from 
their vile ])uri)0se. 

Sliertntin Suspends a Neivspaper. 

At the time of the surrender of the city, among other papei's 
published here was The Daily Progress. After Sherman's occu- 
pation, this journal was permitted to continue issuing its regular 
editions. The late Col. W. R. Richardson, of Raleigh, was on6 
of the proprietors. A few days after Lincoln's assassination the 
pa]ier was seen to contain an article reflecting u])on Sherman for 
allowing private ])roperty to be taken for army purposes without 
compensation. The property alluded to was the residence of the 
late Dr. F. J. Haywood, at the head of Fayetteville Street. 
Early in the foi-enoon of the same day Colonel Richardson re- 
ceived from General Sherman a note reading as follows: 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COVNTY 



147 



"To the Proprietors of The Progress: 

"You are hereby ordered to suspend your paper and report at 
onco to headquarters. 

(Signed) "W. T. Sherman." 

Colonel Richardson prepared as soon as possible to obey the 
summons, while, in the language of that gentleman himself, "the 
ghost of the unfortunate Texan flitted before him, and tlie case- 




w. w. vAss (1822-18!><i) 
riomineiit Railroad Otticial 

mated walls of Fortress Monroe angrily frowned in prospect." 
Appearing before Sherman, the latter said, "So you are an 
editor?" and continued, "There is one thing I want you news- 
paper men to understand, and that is, you are not conducting a 
"newspaper in Massachusetts or New York, but in a conquered 
territory; and I'll have you to understand that if you can't carry 
on your papers without reflecting on my army, I am determined 
that they shall be suspended." 



148 HISTORICAL RALEIGH 

An explanation was made by Colonel Richardson which was 
deemed sufficient to excuse him from what Sherman thought had 
been almost treasonable, and The Progress afterwards made its 
appearance as usual. 

About the 25th of April, General Sherman left the army in 
command of Schofield and proceeded to Savannah for the pur- 
pose of directing matters in South Carolina and Georgia. Upon 
his return to Kaleigh, arrangements were made for the disposi- 
tion of the forces under his command. The Tenth and Twenty- 
third Corps, together wath Kilpatrick's cavalry division, were 
ordered to remain in North Carolina until further orders. Most 
of the remaining portion of the army Avas ordered to march to 
Washington, where a grand review took place on the 24th of 
May. On the 30th of the same month Sherman issued his fare- 
well orders to his troops. 

L. OB. BRANCH CAMP, No. 515, U. C V 

Of the large number of officers and men, natives of Raleigli, 
who went forth from this, the capital city, to battle for victory, 
all now living, as far as known, to tell the story of their strug- 
gles, their deprivations, their hopes, their triumphs, and, alas ! 
their defeat, are the following: ]Sr. W. West, Telfair Hall, 
Charles McKimmon, James J. Lewis, D. W. Royster (now a resi- 
dent of Durham), John D. Thompson, John C. Syme, Alfred 
Lewis, L. M. Green, C. Hutchings, Mart. Thompson, C. R. Har- 
ris, L. D. Womble, George L. Tonnoffski, John S. Pescud and 
B. F. King. 

"Sdldici- i-('st. thy warefare's o'er, 
I»i(':iin (if battliiij? fields no more." 

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS AFTER THE WAR 

As showing the coudiliou of things in city ail'airs shortly after 
the termination of the war. the following, it is thought, may 
prove not uninteresting: 

W. W. Holden having been made Provisional Governor on the 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 149 

29tli of May, 1865, by President Johnson, the former, on June 
30th, appointed W. H. Harrison, mayor; W. R. Richardsoii, 
treasurer ; J. J. Christophers, clerk ; J. J. Betts, chief constable. 
The commissioners were : Alexander Creech, C. M. Farris and 
Parker Overby, representing the Western Ward ; W. R. Richard- 
son, H. Mahler and A. L. Lougee, the Middle Ward ; N". S. Kavp, 
J. J. Overby and Hackney Pool, the Eastern Ward. 

At a special meeting of the commissioners on July 18th of the 
same year, as evidencing the loyalty of the citizens of Raleigh to 
the United States Government, a resolution was adopted, as fol- 
lows : 

"Resolved, That it is the opinion of the commissioners of the 
City of Raleigh, derived as well from their personal intercourse 
as fi'om well-accredited reports, that the citizens have Avillingly 
accepted the terms of peace and restoration to the Union ten- 
dered by the President of the United States, and are now loyal 
and obedient to the Federal Government." 

It was not until October, however, that it was learned that Ave 
were free from military rule, for on the 10th of that month it 
was ordered by the commissioners ''that a committee be ap- 
pointed to wait on the Governor and provost marshal and ascer- 
tain if the city is turned over to the civil authorities." At the 
same meeting W. H. & R. S. Tucker were appointed "auctioneers 
for the city," as was also B. P. Williamson & Co. 

The committee above mentioned, after obeying the instructions 
of the board, at a subsequent meeting reported that they had 
''waited on the Governor, who so understands that the city is 
turned over," etc. 

At a meeting of the commissioners on October 25th it was 
"Ordered, that a captain of the police of the city be appointed, 
Avhose duty it shall be to station himself at or near the guard- 
house during the night (unless otherAvise called off by duty), 
whose duty it shall be, in case of riot or other disorder, to cause 
the town bell to be nmg, calling the entire police force to repair 
to the scene of disorder and quell the disturbance, and afterwards 
to repair to tkeir respective beats." 

On October 28th it Avas ordained by the board "that no free 



150 HISTORICAL RALEIGH 

person of color shall serve in any storehouse or slio]) within the 
corporation where ardent spirits are sold, as tapster or bar- 
keeper, or in any way assist in the vending of such ardent spirits 
in such storehouse or shop, under a penalty of ten dollars." 
Three days thereafter the ordinance was repealed. 

Before 1867 the meetings of the board of commissioners seemed 
to have been secret, as it is found by the minutes of the meeting 
held in January of that year that "it was moved and agreed that 
the doors of the mayor's office be thrown open to all citizens a' 
the time of the meetings of the board." 

As throwing some light on the question of domestic animals 
nmning at large, it may be interesting to the average resident of 
Raleigh to learn that at a meeting of the board of commissioners 
about that time it was ''Ordered, that the chief of police be 
allowed two persons two days in each week for the purpose of 
taking up all hogs and goats running at large, and that they be 
allowed the sum of $1.50 per day each for their services." 

ANDREW JOHNSON'S VISIT TO HIS BOYHOOD HOME 

The visit of President Andrew Johnson to Raleigh, the place 
of his birth, on June 3, 1867, was an occasion of much interest, 
not merely because he was a President, but for the additional 
reason that it Avas here he was born and from the humblest sta- 
tion in life had risen to the most distinguished position in the 
gift of the people of the United States. 

The President's visit was occasioned by the com])letion of the 
monument that had but a short while before been erected to the 
memory of his father, Jacob Johnson, who died in 1812, and in 
response to an invitation by the city to be present at the memo- 
rial exercises to be observed on June 4th following. The Presi- 
dent was accompanied by Secretary of State Seward, whose life 
had been so seriously attacked on the night of President Lincoln's 
assassination in Washington, and Postmaster-General Randall. 

The President and party were met at the depot by a large con- 
course of ])eople, more than two-thirds of whom we're colored, the 
other third being made uj) of military, State and municipal 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 151 

autliorities and white citizens. Governor Worth, ex-Governors 
Graham, Swain, Manly and Bragg, together with Judge E. G. 
Reade, B. F. Moore, Esq., and Mayor Dallas Haywood, honored 
the occasion with their presence. At the depot also, and the first 
to grasp his hand, was Mr. James Litchford, for whom the 
President had worked at the trade of a tailor nearly half a cen- 
tury before. 

Mayor Haywood tendered the hospitalities of the city in a 
brief address, when the President responded by returning his 
gratification at the kindness of the citizens of his native town, 
who had known him longest and best and who thus honored him. 

After the arrival of the distinguished guests at the Yarborough 
House, Governor Worth introduced the President from the bal- 
cony to the large audience which had gathered. This was feel- 
ingly responded to by Mr. Johnson, who said, among other 
things, that forty-one years before, poor and penniless, he had 
left his native town to make his way in the world. He had ever 
loved his native State, and, though she had not been to him a 
cherishing mother, nevertheless she was his mother. He would 
not discuss political matters, said he, but invoked all to stand by 
the Union and the Constitution. Before closing his remarks, he 
addressed himself to the young men of the city and bade them 
labor to make themselves men of learning, distinction and power. 

On Tuesday the President gave a public reception in the 
House of Representatives, after which, accompanied by Secre- 
tary Seward, Postmaster-General Randall, the State and munici- 
pal authorities, and ex-Governor Swain (who was orator of the 
day), he repaired to the City Cemetery (corner of Morgan and 
East streets) to witness the memorial exercises at the erection of 
the monument of his father, Jacob Johnson. Ex-Governor 
Swain then delivered tlie address in the presence of a vast assem- 
bly. 

On the next day the President returned to Washington. 



152 HISTORICAL RALEIGH 



HISTORICAL SCRAPS 



For the benefit of those Avho are accustomed to bemoan the 
''high cost of living," and who think there is no time like the 
"good old times," the following prices of articles of every-day 
consumption sixty years ago is appended: The cost of a dozen 
needles was 25 cents; a silk handkerchief (bandana), $1.25; a 
muslin handkerchief, 70 cents ; a yard of broadcloth, $7 ; a 
pound of pepper, 70 cents ; a pair of cotton hose, $1.40 ; one 
dozen pewter plates, $4.50; a pound of Hyson tea, $2.50; a yard 
of linen, 70 cents; a pound of gunpowder, $1; a pound of shot, 
15 cents. Wails were sold by number, not by the pound — e. g., 
fifty ten-penny nails, 15 cents. Brown sugar was sold at from 
ten to fifteen cents per pound [there was no white sugar, except 
loaf, which was 25 cents per pound] ; Rio coffee was 25 cents; 
flour, $6 per barrel ; molasses, 60 cents per gallon ; and bacon, 
from eight to ten cents per pound. Candles were 5 cents each. 
Lighting by gas was not known here until 1858. The charge 
was $6 per thousand feet. 

During the Civil War Raleigh had a match factory. The late 
William Simpson, brother of Mr. Robert Simpson, the promi- 
nent and popular Raleigh pharmacist, was the proprietor. 

In 1861, after the Civil War had begun, A. W. Traps and 
Phil. Thiem, anticipating a great scarcity of leather, because of 
the closing of the Northern markets to Southern trade, with that 
foresight and sagacity worthy of enterprising business men, 
opened a factory for the manufacture of wooden shoes. They 
made two different kinds — one with wooden soles only, the re- 
mainder of leather; the other (of boat-like shape) was entirely 
of wood, except a small flap into which to place the strings. 
They were lined with cotton or felt. It was thought the Confed- 
erate Governmnt would place with the promoters of this enter- 
prise big contracts to supply the soldiers with these shoes, but 
this was a mistake, and the business was soon abandoned. The 
same firm continued, however, to manufacture other articles, 
sucli as putty, sandpaper, pencils, cnrrv-combs, and many other 
things for home consum])tion. 

A substitute liad now to be found also for coffee. To the 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 153 

ingenious mind this was comparatively simple. . This substitute 
consisted principally of potatoes, which were first cut up, dried, 
and then baked and ground. Roasted or parched corn, wheat, 
rye, barley, etc., were also used by many people. An Irishman 
by the name of Kelly opened a factory for the turning-out of 
some of this "coffee." Some uncharitable people said he mixed 
acorns with the above ingredients. He soon earned the sobriquet 
of "Coffee Kelly." 

Messrs. Keuster and Smethurst secured contracts for the 
manufacture of gun-caps, and in 1862 Capt. B. P. Williamson 
and the late Col. J. M. Heck manufactured belt-buckles and 
spurs to supply the Confederate cavalry. Cartridges, too, were 
manufactured here, for the muzzle-loading muskets used by our 
soldiers. The "plant" was at the Deaf and Dumb Institution 
and the operatives were the pupils and other boys and girls of 
the city. 

Away back in the fifties, in "log cabin and hard cider times," 
political enthusiasts would sometimes resort to methods in elec- 
tions that would put to blush many of the tricks and schemes 
practised now. One instance of this character was that of old 
man Archie Drake, who kept a liquor shop on Hillsboro Street, 
near the railroad bridge. On the mornings of election days, 
after loading up his "heelers" with a quantity of his liquid 
goods sufficient to arouse their patriotism ( ?), he would arrange 
them into a company, and then, in the centre of the street, single 
file, they would, to the time of drum and fife, march to the polls 
in a body. Arriving there, each man would deposit his ballot 
under his boss' direction, and then return to the shop to receive 
the reward of having performed the duty of a patriot ! In those 
days the law did not require saloons to be closed on election 
days, as now. 

No sport was so popular in this State in the "good old days" 
as cock-fights. Sometimes it would be announced in the papers 
and in posters that festivals of this character would be held for 
three days in certain towns. Warrenton and Pittsboro had quite 
a reputation for furnishing this sport to the public. The stakes 
were sometimes as high as five hundred dollars. 

The postage on letters in 1827 and many years afterwards was 



154 HISTORICAL RALEIGH 

6 cents for any distance not exceeding thirty miles; over thirty 
and not exceeding eighty miles, 10 cents; over eighty and not 
exceeding 150 miles, 121/2 cents; over 150 and not exceeding 400 
miles, 18% cents; over 400 miles, 25 cents. 

In the latter part of 1863, corn meal was selling for $12 per 
bushel and bacon at $3 per pound. The per diem of legislators 
was $6 per day, while their expenses were not le.ss than $10 per 
day. Later, in 1864, a suit of clothes would cost a thousand dol- 
lars; a barrel of flour, $800; bacon, $5 a pound; molasses (home- 
made), $50 a gallon. Hats sold for $300. 

As late as 1860 two log cabins still stood in what is now promi- 
nent sections of the city. One of these was on West Edenton 
Street, opposite the First Baptist Church; the other on the 
northeast corner of West Jones and McDowell streets — "relics 
of bygone days," before the eras of the telegraph, the locomotive, 
and the advent of the screaming and death-dealing automobile. 



THE CAPITAL CITY OF HALF A CENTURY 
AGO AND THE METROPOLIS OF TO-DAY 

RALEIGH'S ENTERPRISING, PUBLIC-SPIRITED CITIZENS 
AND SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS MEN 

Fifty years ago, or thereabouts, Rev. Levi Branson, a retired 
Methodist minister, was conducting a small book store at what 
is now 114 Fayetteville Street, on the site occupied by Masters &, 
Agee, men's, women's and children's head-to-foot outfitters. This 
establishment is under the able numagemeut of Mr. Charles 
Frederick Cox, who has conducted the business since its opening 
here in 1909. This is a very reliable business house and one of 
the most successful in the capital city. 

In this bnilding also are the offices of Dr. Ernest H. Brougli- 
ton, one of the most jtroniinent and ])ros])erous dental surgeons 
of the capital. By his superior ability in his ])rofession, and his 
courteous manner and cheerful and agreeable disposition. Dr. 
Broughton enjoys a most lucrative practise, and is gradually 
winning distinction in his chosen profession. 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COL'NTY 155 

In the Home Insurance Building, where Darnell k Thomas 
have their piano and music establishment, Peter F. Pescud then 
kept a drug store. The prominent and popular piano and music 
house of Darnell & Thomas, established more than a quarter of 
a century ago, is one of the most reliable known anywhere, and 
their patrons are among the most intelligent and cultured people 
in the State. Mr. Thomas, the proprietor in charge, is an agree- 
able gentleman, with whom every one always finds it a pleasure 
to deal. The house has a wide and deserved reputation for deal- 
ing only in instruments uj)on which the purchaser may in all 
respects absolutely rely. 

Among the prominent and successful merchants and euter- 
])rising business men of the capital are Messrs. C. A. and A. R. 
D. Johnson (trading as Johnson & Johnson), whose place of 
business is in the Shepherd building, 122 Fayetteville Street. 
They deal in ice, coal and wood, and are the leaders of this 
industry in the city. Also, they are the proprietors of an exten- 
sive brickyard, and in this business they have, too, a wide repu- 
tation, the products of their yard being shipped in large quanti- 
ties to various* points within a radius of a hundred miles. Messrs. 
Johnson k Johnson are natives of Raleigh and are gentlemen of 
])rominence. They are the sons of one of Wake's best and favor- 
ably known citizens, Mr. D. T. Johnson, for a long time chair- 
man of the board of county commissioners. 

A leading mercantile establishment of the capital city, and 
one that is in keeping with wide-awake Raleigh, is the McKim- 
mon Dry Goods Company, Avhose business is in the Vass build- 
ing, 126 Fayetteville Street. This establishment, in all its ap- 
pointments, is complete, and everything that is kept in any high- 
class emporium of this character is to be found here. Mr. 
Charles McKimmon, the president of the company, is a veteran 
in the dry-goods business, as well as a veteran of the Civil War. 
His training in the dry-goods business began with his father, 
James McKimmon, one of Raleigh's early inhabitants,, after 
which he was a member of the well-known firm of that time of 
W. H. k R. S. Tucker ^' Co. He is an expert in a knowledge 
of everything pertaining to ladies' wear, and as such has no 



156 HISTORICAL RALEIGH 

superior. The customers of the McKimmon Dry Goods Com- 
pany are by no means confined to this section of the State, but 
are to be found in every part of J^orth Carolina, for the reputa- 
tion of this house is as broad as the commonwealth. 

A prominent ''watchmaker and jeweler"' half a century ago 
was W. H. Thompson, whose store was on the site now occupied 
by the Jolly & Wynne Jewehy Company, 128 Fayetteville 
Street, who conducted the leading business of its kind in Raleigh. 
This business is the development of the establishment opened by 
Mr. B. R. Jolly a quarter of a century ago, and by whose skill 
and ability it has grown to its elegant, spacious and commodious 
dimensions. Mr. F. M. Jolly, the treasurer of the company, is 
an expert optometrist and bears the distinction of having been 
active in the organization of the North Carolina State Optical 
Society, of which he was president for eighteen months. He is 
now president of the ISTorth Carolina Board of Examiners of 
Optometry, and was a leading spirit in securing the enactment 
in 1909 of a law for the protection of the public against knavery 
in the practice of optometry, prohibiting the "employment of 
any- means, other than the use of drugs, medicine or surgery, for 
the measurement of the powers of vision and the adaptation of 
lenses for the aid thereof, unless the person practising this 
science has first stood examination before the State Board of 
Examiners, according to the provisions of the act." Mr. Robert 
W. Wynne is in charge of the jewelry manufacturing and repair- 
ing department, and stands in the front rank of his profession. 

Two doors below the Jolly- Wynne Company, Samuel and Jef- 
ferson Young at that period conducted a small dry-goods store. 
This site is now occupied by the Raleigh Real Estate & Trust 
Company, which ranks Avith the leading enterprises of its kind 
in Raleigh. Its friends have so increased from the day of its 
organization that its reputation is coextensive with the State. 
The officers of the company are Messrs. F. K. Ellington, presi- 
dent ; J. D. Turner, secretary, and Daniel Allen, manager sales 
department, and are prominent citizens of Raleigh, each of 
whom have been, and are, distinct forces in the development of 
our beautiful capital. Without disparagement to the other gen- 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 



157 



tlemen mentioned, Mr. Allen is widely known for liis rare social 
qualities and cordial disposition, and his friends are legion. He 
is a son of the late Will. G. Allen, who was long county superin- 
tendent of public roads and the county home, himself a genial, 
generous, whole-souled man, whom to know was to love. 

On this street, a few doors below, near Hargett, one of the 
early merchants, Henry L. Evans, then kept a dry-goods store. 
He was the father of Mrs. Bettie Mills, an only child, now a 
resident of Raleigh. On the site of this store is now the firm of 
Heller Bros., leading shoe fitters and dealers in trunks, traveling 
bags, hosiery, etc. This business was established in 1876 by 
Gerson Heller. He died in 1891 and was succeeded by his son, 
Mr. Herman Heller, avIio later associated with him in business 
his brothers, William and Gerson. This is one of Raleigh's most 
reliable shoe firms, its reputation extending from the seashore to 
the mountains. 

Where the Raleigh Banking & Trust Company has erected 
its new and magnificent banking institution, at the corner of 
Fayetteville and Hargett streets, there stood the structure which 
the company has recently replaced with its imposing building. 
This site is historic, from the fact that here, in a plain wooden 
building, the first Governor of the State long resided, owing to 
the delay in the erection of the ''Palace" on Fayetteville and 
South streets for his occupancy. The affairs of the Raleigh 
Banking & Trust Company are under the presidency of Col. 
Charles E. Johnson, one of the most prominent financiers in 
North Carolina, and a potent factor in all that makes for the 
economic welfare of Raleigh. He is a son of Dr. Charles E. 
Johnson, in his generation one of Raleigh's leading physicians, 
and who was beloved by all for his kind and charitable disposi- 
tion and broad benevolence. 

At this period all the stores on the west side of Fayetteville 
Street, between Hargett and Martin, were of wood. Where now 
stands the Holleman building, W. G. Lougee then had a tin- 
shop. In this building, since 1895, the J. Rosengarten Company 
has conducted a leading clothing and furnishing establishment, 
the reputation of which for superior goods and fair dealing is 



158 HISTORICAL RALEIGH 

coextensive with the State. Especially are they popular with the 
students of Wake Forest and the A. k M. colleges, with whom 
they do an extensive business. 

In this building also Mr. W. T. Terry, the ''Stamp Man," con- 
ducts his business of manufacturing hand-stamps. Mr. Terry is 
an adept in his business, having been so engaged for eight years. 
While his prices for stamps are as low as elsewhere, his work is 
of a superior nature, never failing to please. He is a gentleman 
of superior intelligence, of pleasing manner, and never dis- 
ajipoints in his work. 

Opposite the city market, on Fayetteville Street, in the early 
sixties, C. Keuster conducted a gun- and locksmith establishment. 
This was on the site which, until recently, has long been occu- 
pied by the firm of the Bridgers Tailoring Company. Tins 
company having dissolved, tAvo of the gentlemen identified with 
the concern — Messrs. Rufus R. Womble and James eT. Paul — 
have formed a copartnership to conduct a merchant tailoring 
establishment in Rocky Mount, one of the fastest-growing towns 
in the State. They are artists and expert Avorkmen, wlio. in- 
diligent application to business and assiduous efforts to ])h'ase 
patrons, have established an enviable reputation. That a large 
measure of success awaits them in Rocky Mount is well assured. 

Where now stands the Merchants National Bank building- 
half a century ago was a small monument establisbment, con- 
ducted by James Puttick and William Maunder. Among other 
offices in this bank building are those of Mr. Joseph E. Pogue, 
secretary of the ISTorth Carolina Agricultural Society. This 
society, originally organized in 1852, under its present manage- 
ment has probably contributed more to the awakening of the 
cai)ital city than any other one factor. It brings to the gates 
of the ca))ital annually more than fifty thousand of the State's 
best citizens. It is the consensus of opinion, often expressed, 
that the State Fair turns loose each year in the city of Raleigh 
not less than one hundred thousand dollars. Thousands of dol- 
lars ai'e s])ent annually by the State Fair management in adver- 
tising the State Fair all over the country. This is also a great 
advertisement for the city of Raleigh. The exliibits in agriciil- 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 159 

ture, liorticulture, live stock, farm implements, poiiltry, house- 
liold economics, and ladies' fancy work have quadrupled in a 
half-dozen years. Over forty thousand dollars have been spent 
in permanent improvements at the Fair grounds in a like period. 
When the present plans for permanent improvements shall have 
heen completed, the capacity of the Fair will have been quad- 
rupled, and the attendance should vsatly exceed one hundred 
thousand visitors annually. Secretary Joseph E. Pog'ue, of this 
city, has been continuously in charge of this great educational 
enterprise since 1899. Col. E. F. McRae, of Maxtou, jST. C, is 
president, and Mr. J. D. Berry, of Raleigh, is treasurer. 

On the northwest corner of Fayetteville and Martin streets 
there had stood until a few years ago, and as far back as the 
oldest inhabitant can remember, a little brick building, known 
as "Battle's Corner," on which is now situated the Tucker build- 
ing. Among other offices now in this building is that of Mr. 
R. E. Prince, dealer in real estate, farm lands being his spe- 
cialty. Mr. Prince is one of Raleigh's prominent citizens and 
has met with success in his latest vocation. He is a gentleman 
of high integrity and his word is his bond. 

Located in the Tucker building also is the prominent clothing 
establishment of the Cross & Linehan Company, where it has 
been situated for a number of years. Beginning business in 
1889, under the firm name of Cross & Linehan, this enterprising- 
house rapidly grew into favor, until it soon ranked with the lead- 
ing clothing and furnishings establishments in the State or in 
the South. At a later period the Cross & Linehan Company was 
organized, with J. W. Cross, president ; J. P. Wray, vice-presi- 
dent, and W. A. Linehan, secretary-treasurer. The high repu- 
tation of the house has been long firmly established, this being 
due not only to the very superior quality of its goods, but also to 
the agreeable manner of the proprietors and their assistants 
toward their numerous patrons, among whom are numbered 
uiany of the most distinguished people in the various sections of 
the State. 

John Kane then had a liquor shop (as saloons were then 
termed) in a small frame building where the new Citizens Bank 



TTTTglJ I 



160 HISTORICAL RALEIGH 

building now stands. The statement of the condition of the 
Citizens i^ational Bank and the Raleigh Savings Bank & Trust 
Compam' (which constitute one organization), as per last pub- 
lished statement, April 4, 1913, shows: United States and State 
bonds, at par, $212,000; loans and investments, $2,078,629.35; 
cash and due from banks, $683,304.94; total, $2,973,934.29. 
Liabilities— capital, $315,000; surplus and profits, $159,849.44; 
circulation, $100,000; deposits, $2,399,084.85; total, $2,973,- 
934.29. Mr. Joseph G. Brown has developed most remarkable 
financial ability, and, having filled almost every position, from 
messenger up, now holds, and has held for several years, the 
presidency and management of this popular banking house. He 
is also vice-president of the State Bankers Association and of 
the JN^ational Bankers Association. Mr. Brown is a prominent 
member of the Edenton Street Methodist Church, having been 
a steward in the same for a number of years. He has been 
superintendent of the Sunday school of this church for thirty 
years, and is distinguished for the interest he takes in whatever 
pertains to the welfare of his denomination throughout the State. 

In 1860, Avhere the Wake County Savings Bank is located, 
Mills Brown, a leading citizen, kept a general store. This bank 
was founded in 1895, at ISTo. 15 East Martin Street. Since Octo- 
ber, 1910, its operations have been conducted in its handsome, 
modem concrete building (absolutely fireproof) at 235 Fayette- 
ville Street. The bank, as its name implies, is conducted Avith 
a view to serving especially the people of Wake. All deposits 
bear interest at four per cent per annum, compounded quarterly, 
and may be withdrawn at any time by check of the depositor. 
Those wishing to make their deposits with this bank may do so 
by post-office order, check or by registered mail. Mr. Vass, the 
cashier, is a leading financier of Raleigh, and is interested in 
all that concern's the city's highest welfare. He is the son of the 
late W. W. Vass, long an official of the old Raleigh & Gaston 
Railroad, who Avas beloved by all who knew him. 

On the east side of Fayetteville Street, between Morgan and 
Hargett, for nearly half a block, in 1861 and for a few years 
afterwards, was a vacant lot, on which, at the outbreak of the 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 161 

Civil War, was hoisted the first secession flag. On a portion of 
Ihis site one of the buildings is now occupied by the Mechanics 
Savings Bank. This is the favorite bank of the mechanics, 
especially, whose faith in the high integrity of its officers and 
the liberal terms offered by it to depositors has been such as to 
place it in the front rank of savings banks of the State. The 
officers of the bank — Messrs. Charles E. Johnson, president ; 
C. B. Edwards, vice-president ; Walters Durham, cashier, and 
Charles E. Johnson, Jr., assistant cashier — are gentlemen of 
broad prominence and high integrity, enjoying the confidence of 
all who know them. 

One door above this bank and over A. Williams & Co.'s book 
store is the studio of Manly W. Tyree, the "photographer to 
famous ISTorth Carolinians." As an artist Mr. Tyree needs no 
encomiums, for every person of discriminating taste will justify 
the assertion that he is the equal in his profession of any whose 
Avork he or she has observed in North Carolina, or perhaps in 
the United States. Artists, like poets, are "born — not made," 
and such an artist is Mr. Tyree. 

The first private bank that Raleigh had ever known was 
OM'ned by John G. Williams, at what is now 113 Fayetteville 
Street. The business now conducted there is that of the Baptist 
Book Store, under the able management of a veteran in this line, 
Mr. Wharton G. Separk, who has been engaged in the sale of 
books and stationery for a period of eighteen years. Mr. Separk 
has been the proprietor of this store since December, 1910, and 
his commodious store, with its elegant appointments, carries 
everything kept in a first-class book store. Mr. Separk is a 
native of Raleigh and is well known and highly appreciated for 
his many commendable personal qualities. He is the youngest 
son of Joseph H. Separk, the first democrat to be elected mayor 
of Raleigh after the Civil War. 

In this building also, at 1131/2 Fayetteville Street, is the studio 
of Mr. J. P. Hayes, one of the oldest and best known pho- 
tographic artists at the State capital. He makes a specialty of 
high-grade portraiture, many of his patrons being among the 
most prominent and distinguished people of the State. Asso- 
11 



162 HISTORICAL RALEIGH 

ciated Avith liim is Miss Hall, of Maine, an artist of rare talent, 
who lias studied abroad as an artist in general color work, as 
well as the latest methods of posing and operating. Mr. PTayes 
is one of Raleigh's well-known business men and is popular with 
a large circle of friends. 

On the site of what is now 129 Fayetteville Street, C. W. D. 
Hutchings at the period mentioned kept a saddlery and harness 
establishment. Occupying this stand now is Mr. Herbert Kosen- 
thal, who here conducts a leading shoe emporium and keeps a 
well-assorted stock of shoes of the best make and of the most 
approved styles. He is the son of the late L. Rosenthal, one of 
the most successful Hebrew merchants Raleigh has ever known. 

Although Raleigh, at this period (half a century ago) was the 
State's centre of culture and refinement, as it is now, yet there 
was but a mere pretense of any floral business, and that was the 
''flower garden," as it was called, kept on the corner of Morgan 
and Blount streets. It bore no comparison to the floral estab- 
lishment of Mr. H. Steinmetz, which he has conducted so suc- 
cessfully here for more than a quarter of a century, and which 
has a reputation extending throughout the State. Mr. Steinmetz 
is one of Raleigh's most substantial citizens, a gentleman of 
unswerving integrity, and his services as florist to his numerous 
patrons throughout the State are equal to those of any one (and 
far superior to many) engaged in this industry. 

Except the "flower garden" above mentioned, there were then 
no business houses and few residences on Morgan Street. Now, 
on this thoroughfare, near Blount Street, among other enter- 
prising business houses is the undertaking establishment of Mr. 
G. A. Strickland, a gentleman highly capable in every depart- 
ment of his vocation. The equipments of his establishment are 
the latest and most approved in every detail, and his terms are 
reasonable. 

On Morgan Street, near the corner of Wilmington, is now 
situated the establishment of TJnderhill & Fleming, plumbers 
and steam and hot-water fitters, one of the most prominent and 
reliable concerns of its kind in the capital city. In the prosecu- 
tion of this business Mr. Underhill, the general manager, handles 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 163 

and installs any standard plumbing fixtures manufactured, and 
the best steam, hot-water and vapor vacuum heating on the 
American market. Mr. Underbill is a native of Raleigh and has 
been engaged in this industry for twelve years. He is highly 
competent in every department of his industry, as indicated by 
the business he secures in Raleigh and surrounding towns, and 
the high measure of success he enjoys he has deservedly won. 

On the northwest corner of Morgan and Blount streets is the 
extensive establishment of John W. Evans' Son (Mr. John E. 
Evans), builder and repairer of all kinds of vehicles, who, since 
his father's death, has successfully conducted the business 
founded by John W. Evans. Mr. John E. Evans is one of 
Raleigh's industrious, enterprising and progressive citizens, and 
deserves well the high measure of success he has achieved and is 
further achieving. He is the grandson of James M. Towles, one 
of Raleigh's early and prominent hardware dealers. 

Diagonally across from Mr. Evans' shops, on the southeast 
corner of Morgan and Blount streets, at the period herein men- 
tioned, a modest floral establishment was situated kept by Messrs. 
Hamilton & Carter. On this site there is now successfully con- 
ducted the business of the Raleigh French Dry Cleaning Com- 
pany, by Messrs. Kennedy & Davis. This industry was estab- 
lished in 1910, and the efforts of the proprietors to give to the 
public superior service — service that cannot be obtained by any 
other than the French dry cleaning process — has met with emi- 
nent and deserv^ed success. The intricate and elaborate ma- 
chinery required for this work embraced an outlay of not less 
than $5,000. All fabrics, of whatever kind, are guaranteed to 
he made as clean as when manufactured. The geutlepien com- 
posing this firm are of pleasing address and agreeable disposi- 
tion, and with whom it is always a pleasure to deal. They 
guarantee their work to give complete satisfaction. 

On Market Street at this period there were no business houses 
but small grocery stores. These extended to Martin Street, as 
they do now. Prominent among the establishments located here 
is that of the Raleigh Furniture Company, under the able man- 
agement of Mr. T. E. Green, secretary-treasurer of the com- 



164 HISTORICAL RALEIGH 

pany. The store embraces six floors, all filled with a general 
line of furniture, house-furnishings, stoves, etc., and the business 
extends throughout Wake and adjoining counties. Mr. Green 
is a member of the Wake family of that name, whose ancestry 
dates back to the Revolutionary period in American history, 
being a descendant of Capt. Joseph Green, a Revolutionary 
patriot. 

On the corner of Market and Wilmington streets, half a cen- 
tury ago, Wiliford Upchurch kept a grocery store for many 
years. On this site there is now located the F. W. Parker Drug 
Company, prescription druggists and seedsmen. Mr. Parker is 
a pharmacist of many years' experience, ranks high in his pro- 
fession, and enjoys the entire confidence of the public. In fill- 
ing prescriptions he uses only the best drugs. Mr. Parker is not 
only popular in Raleigh, but also has a wide circle of friends 
throughout Wake, with whom he conducts a prosperous business. 

At this period Wilmington Street, between Exchange Place 
and Hargett Street, was lined with low liquor saloons. In recent 
years a great change has occurred here, and it is now an impor- 
tant business section. Among other mercantile establishments 
there located is that of the Globe Clothing Company, which con- 
ducts one of the most successful establishments of its kind in the 
city. The present organization, consisting of Charles Kohn, 
president, and Sol. Jacobs, secretary-treasurer, succeeded to the 
firm of J. M. Kohn & Bro. in 1909, since which time, to accom- 
modate their growing trade, their store has been considerably 
enlarged. This house is popular throughout the city and county, 
not only because of its superior goods, but on account also of the 
high integrity and fair dealing of its ])roprietors. 

Farther north on South Wilmington Street, at Nos. 206, 208, 
210, and near the corner of Hargett, is the new department 
store of Messrs. Kline & Lazarus, the stock consisting of a full 
line of clothing, dry goods, shoes, hats, gents' furnishings, ladies' 
ready-to-wear garments, etc. This store has been recently erected 
and is a great credit to the enterprising gentlemen composing 
the firm. The sidewalk fronting the store is granolithic and its 
attractive jipiienrance is equal to any walkway in the city. The 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 165 

appreciation of this enterprise is shown by the great throngs of 
customers who are daily led to its doors, no less by the superior 
quality of goods found here than by the reasonableness of their 
prices and the uniform courtesy always shown by the proprietors 
and their corps of polite assistants to all patrons. Mr. Kline is 
a well and favorably known merchant of Raleigh, having been 
a resident for the past eighteen years. Mr. Lazarus became one 
of our citizens but recently, and during his residence here has 
made many friends among many of our best people. 

The recent improvement in the general appearance of Wil- 
mington Street as a business thoroughfare is noticeable in the 
new and handsome brick buildings, as well as in the granolithic 
pavement. Occupjdng one of these buildings, at ISTo. 207 South 
Wilmington Street, is the Capital Loan Company, a new enter- 
pj'ise and the only one of its kind in Raleigh. Here will be 
found a stock of diamonds and other jewelry (much of which 
consists of unredeemed pledges), all sold at bargains. The stock 
of trunks and leather goods, all of which is manufacturers' sam- 
ple goods, is sold at astonishingly low prices. There is also kept 
in stock violins, guitars, banjos and other musical instruments, 
all of standard quality and at bottom prices. Messrs. S. H. and 
M. Dworsky, the president and secret ary-ti'easurer of the com- 
pany, are intelligent, agreeable and accommodating gentlemen, 
and accord to every one courteous attention and fair dealing. 

Among other improvements in this locality is the popular and 
Avidely known clothing establishment of Ike Seligson, at 229-231 
South Wilmington Street. Here is to be found a large and 
varied stock of everything usually kept in a first-class clothing 
emporium, and at most reasonable prices at all times. Mr. Selig- 
son has been a resident of the capital city for a quarter of a cen- 
tury, and, though of a modest and unassuming demeanor, ranks 
with Raleigh's substantial citizens, and numbers among his 
friends many of its best people. He is a most agreeable gentle- 
man with whom to deal, and his reputation for high integrity 
extends throughout Wake and adjoining counties. He is a mem- 
ber of the Masonic fraternity, standing high in the order. 

On Hargett Street, between Wilmington and Blount streets 



166 HISTORICAL BALEIGH 

(Nos. 112-114), the Commercial Printing Company conducts a 
printing establishment that is an honor to the capital city and 
the pride of every citizen who appreciates all that is good in the 
printing art. While this company are general printers and book- 
binders, their specialties are lawyers' briefs and records, books 
and catalogues, blank-book manufacturing, commercial job print- 
ing, library binding, correct special ruling, school and college 
magazines and annuals, etc. Some evidence of the high charac- 
ter of the work executed by the company is found in this his- 
torical production, which the author thinks has been performed 
Avith rare good skill and taste. Mr. J. W. Weaver is the presi- 
dent of the company and general manager of its affairs, and 
gives his personal attention to each and every order. 

On Hargett Street, between Fayetteville and Wilmington 
streets, among the noticeable improvements of late years has 
been the erection of The Raleigh Times building, from which is 
published every afternoon, except Sunday, one of the best dailies 
in the State. This paper is noted for its independence, one of 
its admirable features being that it "speaks out in meetin' " and 
''hews to the line, letting the chips fall where they may." Be- 
lieving, too, that a daily journal should be, in some measure, the 
guardian of the people's rights, The Times, when it sees those 
rights infringed by public officials — the public servants — strikes 
out and spares not. It publishes each day all the news, while its 
editorials on leading and ])0])ular questions are always instruc- 
tive and interesting. 

On West Hargett Street, at No. 12, Mr. E. F. Pescud now 
conducts his popular book store, the patrons of Avhich are among 
the most intelligent in Raleigh and throughout the county of 
Wake. Before opening business for himself several years since, 
Mr. Pescud's experience in the sale of books and periodicals had 
extended through a period of thirty years in Raleigh, and hence 
his familiarity with his ]irofession is a sufficient guarantee that 
he understands it in all its details. Customers may always ex- 
pect a cordial welcome at this store. 

The northern limits of the city until a few years ago were 
bounded bv North Street. Beyond this were few residences and 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 167 

no pretense to the conduct of any business affairs, but the mar- 
velous growth of the city in recent years in this section has jus- 
tified the opening there of many business establishments. Promi- 
nent among these is the JSTorth Side Pharmacy, corner Halifax 
and Johnson streets, now conducted by Mr. M. L. Shore, suc- 
cessor to Mr. W. G. Thomas, of this city. This pharmacy is one 
of the best-equipped concerns of its kind in Raleigh, and carries 
in stock everything usually found in first-class establishments. 
Mr. Shore is an agreeable gentleman and a most competent phar- 
macist. He has met with deserved success. 

On Salisbury Street, neither north nor south, not a business 
house of any kind was dreamed of until a few years ago. N^ow 
there are a number of them, prominent among which is that of 
the Raleigh Roofing and Cornice Company, located at" 117 South 
Salisbury Street. This business is conducted under the direct 
and able management and supervision of Mr. J. E. Stevick, the 
president of the company, and in the development of Greater 
Raleigh has been a potent factor. The business was established 
seventeen years ago and has in the intervening years been suc- 
cessful in building up a large and growing trade, extending into 
every section of the State, the company now having contracts in 
Durham, Greenville and Southern Pines. The highest testimony 
to the superior work of this company is found in the late im- 
provements at the A. & M. College, viz., the Y. M. C. A., Hus- 
bandry, Agricultural and Dormitory buildings, and in the Bland 
Hotel and the new Boylan-Pearce building. Mr. Stevick is one 
of Raleigh's leading citizens and in the front rank of those active 
in promoting the best welfare, in all respects, of the capital city. 

Located on this street also, at No. 121, is the office of the firm 
of Glenn & Williams (A. E. Glenn and Jesse R. Williams), con- 
tracting painters and decorators, the most prominent and suc- 
cessful of any engaged in this sphere of usefulness at the capital, 
and ranking with the best to be found in this State or in the 
South. This business was founded by the late Pat. J. Williams 
(father of Mr. Jesse R. Williams) and Mr. A. E. Glenn, who, 
under the firm name of Williams & Glenn, successfully conducted 
the business until Mr. Williams' death, when his son, Jesse R., 



168 HISTORICAL RALEIGH 

became his worthy successor. Among the prominent and numer- 
ous buiklings bearing silent testimony to the artistic skill of this 
firm are the Governor's Mansion (of the painting and deco- 
rating of which Messrs. Glenn & Williams had the contract 
entire), the State Senate chamber and House of Representatives, 
the State Museum, the public buildings of Wake and of many 
other counties, and the new Sunday-school building of the Eden- 
ton Street M. E. Church, recently completed. With the indus- 
trial life and civic welfare of Greater Raleigh the members of 
this firm are prominently identified, Mr. Glenn having been a 
member of Raleigh's Board of Audit and Finance, his services 
commencing with the organization of that department and last- 
ing for four years, with marked ability. Mr. Williams was a 
member of the Board of Aldermen one term, where he served 
with credit to himself and his constituents. Mr. Peyton Wil- 
liams, one of the city's early and worthy inhabitants, was Mr. 
Jesse R. Williams' grandfather. 

N^ot until a quarter of a century ago was there any pretense 
made of East Martin Street, east of Wilmington, being more 
than a residential section; but this pcrtion of the city is now- 
regarded as a most important business district. Prominent 
among other interests conducted here is that of Mr. W. A. 
Simpkins, whose offices are located in the Myatt building, corner 
of Martin and Blount streets. Mr. Simpkins is widely and most 
favorably known throughout the cotton States as the originator 
of the celebrated Simpkins Prolific Cotton Seed, justly famous 
for the reason that it produces several times the average crop 
and matures two weeks earlier than any other A'ariety, the latter 
characteristic rendering the Prolific absolutely independent of 
the boll weevil, the one great enemy of this staple. Last season 
(1912) Mr. Simpkins produced with his Prolific seed seven bales 
of cotton, averaging four hundred ])()unds eacli, u])on two acres 
of surveyed land. The fame of the Prolific is also extant 
throughout Mexico, where eighty-three hundred bushels j:>f this 
seed were planted by Messrs. Trevino and Hernandes on their 
seven-thousand-acre tract of land this year. Mr. Simj^kins ranks 
among the leading citizens of Raleigh and is a gentleman of tlie 
highest Chi'istiau character -and pleasing personality. 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 169 

On this street also, at the corner of Blount, is the popular 
Martin Street Pharmacy, the opening of which has contributed 
much to the awakening of now wide-awake Ealeigh, for a busi- 
ness house of this character had long been needed in this section 
of the city. The proprietor of this pharmacy is Mr. Elmer Otis 
Edgerton, a registered pharmacist in Virginia as well as in this 
State, who, with Mr. H. C. Hood, opened business in Raleigh in 
1910. The latter retired from the firm in February last. Mr. 
Edgerton fills his own prescriptions, using only the best drugs. 
For some time Mr. Edgerton was prescription clerk for H. T. 
Hicks & Co. and bears the reputation of being a most competent 
pharmacist. He is a gentleman of pleasing personality and has 
many friends and a large clientele. Kight prescriptions are 
cheerfully filled at this pharmacy. 

Fifty years ago, on the corner of East Martin and Wilming- 
ton streets was situated the residence of Mr. Ruffin Williams, 
who was one of Raleigh's highly esteemed citizens and pharma- 
cists. On this site there now towers the new and magnificent 
Commercial N'ational Bank building, one of the largest and best- 
equipped business structures in the State. The part this bank 
has played and is now playing in the remarkable development 
of the central section of the State has won the admiration of 
every one interested in our economic welfare. This bank was 
organized in 1891, with $100,000 capital paid in. In 1910 the 
capital was increased from $100,000 to $300,000. It now has 
188 stockholders and 2,500 depositors. Present capital and sur- 
plus, $415,000. Daily average business, $300,000. Total present 
resources, $1,800,000. It has paid to stockholders in dividends 
$289,950. The new building is eleven stories high, steel con- 
structed. On the top of the pent-lirouse, over the elevator shaft 
(this being 155 feet above the ground level) there is a steel tower 
35 feet high, carrying a searchlight throwing a beam two miles 
distant in any direction desired. A roof garden is another fea- 
ture of the building. The corner-stone of the new building was 
laid October 22, 1912, the exercises being conducted under the 
auspices of the Masonic order. 

On East Martin Street, between the Commercial ISTational 



170 HISTORICAL RALEIGH 

Bank and Fayetteville Street, is located the prominent and popu- 
lar clothing and furnishing store of Messrs. Whiting & Horton, 
a business house that has long been identified with Raleigh's 
material welfare and development, and one whose reputation for 
fair dealing and reasonable prices is thoroughly established. Mr. 
C. G. Whiting is the surviving brother of Whiting Bros., who 
established this business many years ago. Mr. Horton, before 
becoming a member of the firm, had experienced long service in 
the clothing business, is thoroughly conversant with its details, 
and readily comprehends the wants of all patrons. The mem- 
bers of this firm are agreeable, courteous and refined gentlemen, 
which valuable asset, together with the excellent quality and 
reasonable prices charged for their goods, has won for this house 
a wide reputation and deserved success. 

Located in the Yarborough Hotel building, on Fayetteville 
Street, is the merchant tailoring business of the John E.Bridgers 
Company, the president and general manager of which is Mr. 
John E. Bridgers, one of the most prominent tailoring experts in 
the capital city. A full line of woolen goods, tweeds, serges, etc., 
is kept always on hand, while the skill and artistic taste exercised 
in the cut and make-up of their suits are not to be surpassed any- 
where. The cleaning and pressing department is a prominent 
feature of the establishment and has a wide reputation for the 
superior work turned out. 

Among the magnificent buildings of which Raleigh proudly 
boasts is that of the Capital Club, on West Martin Street. In 
this building are located many business offices, among which is 
that of Mr. Frank B. Simpson, Raleigh's prominent, skillful and 
successful architect. Mr. Simpson is a native of the capital city 
and has devoted most of his lifelong energies to his profession, 
during which period he has designed many beautiful residences 
of Raleigh and other cities and towns in the State. While Mr. 
Simpson does a general business in his profession, he gives spe- 
cial attention to the designing and supervising the erection of 
State, county and municipal buildings, and of these a large num- 
ber, both in this State and throughout the South, bear silent tes- 
timony to his superior artistic skill. Mr. Simpson is a son of 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 171 

Prof. John A. Simpson, teacher of music at the State Institution 
for the Blind, at Raleigh, who enjoys the distinction of being 
one of the most talented musicians in America. 

In the next block west from the Capital Club building, at 106 
West Martin Street (next to the Bland Hotel), is the handsome 
and attractive new drug store of James I. Johnson, where is kept 
everything usually found in all well-appointed business houses of 
this character. The store is well stocked Math a full line of 
drugs, chemicals, perfumes, toilet articles, druggists' sundries, 
etc., and has also an up-to-date soda fountain. This business 
was established half a century ago, during most of which time 
Mr. Johnson has been sole proprietor. Mr. Johnson is one of 
Raleigh's most progressive citizens and enterprising business 
men, and is prominently identified with all that makes for the 
capital city's best welfare. As mayor of Raleigh he has served 
long and faithfully, and so eminently efficient has he proven 
that at the election in May last, under the Commission Form of 
Government he was chosen for the distinguished office of Mayor 
and Commissioner of Finance. That he will administer the 
affairs of his new office with ability is a foregone conclusion. 

In the development of Raleigh to the extent that she is now 
in truth wide awake, no class of persons engaged in constructing 
have contributed in a greater measure than those whose sphere 
of usefulness is devoted to electrical engineering. Prominent 
among these is Mr. D. J. Thompson, manager of the Thompson 
Electrical Company, whose business office is at 108 West Martin 
Street. Mr. Thompson has had many years' experience in his 
chosen profession, and since becoming a resident of Raleigh ten 
years ago, where he has continued his work, has met with suc- 
cess. He employs a large force of assistants. Evidences of his 
superior ability are found in the contracts awarded him for in- 
stalling the electric apparatus in the buildings of the Y. M. C. A. 
of Raleigh, the new Raleigh Banking & Trust Company, and 
the Y. M. C. A. of the A. & M. College. 

On this street, at No. 122, is located the establishment of the 
Wake Shoe Company, better known as the "Selz Royal Blue" 
Store, which deals exclusively in the celebrated Selz guaranteed 



172 HISTORICAL RALEIGH 

shoe. The store is a most commodious one, and the stock con- 
sists of all the newest lasts and styles. Although this is a com- 
paratively new enterprise, it is in thorough harmony with the 
needs of "wide-awake Raleigh," and is meeting with that success 
it so richly deserves. The business is under the management of 
Mr. Haywood D. Bell, a veteran shoe salesman, thoroughly 
familiar with the wants of a discriminating public in footwear. 
Mr. Bell is a native of Raleigh, prominent in Odd Fellow circles, 
and favorably known throughout the city for his high integrity 
and agreeable manners. A shoe-shining parlor and ladies' rest 
room is a prominent feature of the establishment. On your way 
uptown from the depot, if at night, look for the electric sign, 
"Wake Shoe Companv," over which is a big shoe, inscribed 
"Selz Shoes." 

The next door to the west, on West Martin Street, near Mc- 
Dowell, at iSTo. 124:, is the office of the Carolina Oxypathor Com- 
pany, whose system of treating certain diseases has awakened 
considerable interest among sufferers. The argument for their 
treatment is ])lausible; for if the "blood is the life," as it is, 
then its condition should be constantly such as to provide the 
best physical health. Unless, therefore, this vital fluid is prop- 
erly oxygenized, it becomes impure by the retention in the sys- 
tem of waste material and toxic poison, resulting in general ill 
health. Since mucli of this oxygen is absorbed through the 
epidermis (the skin), a most valuable means to produce this 
absorption, when the natural skin is in an abnormal condition, 
is by the artificial or scientific. Many sufferers from various 
diseases enthusiastically claim that oxypathy has given them 
complete relief; and those having rheumatism, infantile paraly- 
sis, catarrh, indigestion, asthma, nervousness, pellagra, and 
many other diseases, and who are broad-minded enough to inves- 
tigate oxypathy, will find it an agreeable and in all probability 
an effective remedy. 

On the corner of West Martin and McDowell streets, on the 
site of the Hotel Raleigh, is now the Raleigh Apartments, re- 
cently com])leted by Mr. Howell Cobb, formerly the pro])rietor 
of the Hotel Raleigh. This apartment house is one of the hand- 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COUK^TY IT'i 

somest buildings in the city or State. It fills a long-felt want to 
meet the growing necessities of the capital city, and would do 
credit to any metropolis in the country. 

On South Wilmington Street, between Martin and DaA'ie, fifty 
years ago, and for a long period since, there were no stores and 
but two residences. Among the prominent business houses now 
in this locality is that of the Job P. Wyatt &■ Sons Company, at 
325-327 South Wilmington Street, dealers in farm machinery, 
vehicles, feed and seed. This company is composed of Messrs. 
William L. Wyatt, M. F. Wyatt, E. J. Wyatt, sons of the late 
Job P. Wyatt, and Mr. P. f. Wyatt, the latter's brother. Mr. 
Job Wyatt was one of Raleigh's most prominent merchants and 
left rich legacies of business talent and personal integrity to his 
sons succeeding him. The firm is one of the largest dealers in 
agricultural implements in the State. The Wyatt building has 
three stories and a basement. In the rear there is a warehouse 
60 by 60 feet, the total floor space being 43,200 square feet. 

Among the enterprising business men of Raleigh who serve 
the public in the sphere of their chosen activity is Mr. Henry N". 
Moore, Avho conducts an electric shoe establishment at 104 East 
Hargett Street. He is a native of Raleigh, the oldest white shoe- 
maker in business in the city, and was the first to install ma- 
chinery here for repairing shoes by electricity, this being in 
1909. Mr. Moore has had an experience of thirty years in mak- 
ing and repairing footwear. He is prompt and accommodating 
in his service, and deserves the patronage of the public — and of 
this he is getting a full measure. 



174 HISTORICAL RALEIGH 

THE CAPITAL CITY TO=DAY 

Raleigh, the capital of JSTorth Carolina, founded in 1792, is 
almost precisely in the centre of I^orth Carolina. It is also the 
centre of a population of OA-er eight hundred thousand within a 
radius of seventy-five miles, thus being the largest population 
area between Washington and Atlanta. 

Raleigh's population is 20,000 within its four square miles of 
area. It has four railways, which reach the State so well vnth 
their forty-eight daily passenger trains that people from many 
surrounding counties can come here, attend to business and re- 
turn home the same day. The city's population during the past 
decade increased forty per cent, and the value of its manufac- 
tured products 119 per cent, leading the State in the latter 
particular. 

Raleigh is midway between the North and the South — New 
York and Jacksonville ; its mean temperature is 60 degrees, and 
the climate that of central Spain. Its annual rainfall is 50 
inches. Its elevation above sea-level is 363 feet. 

Raleigh is in a rolling country, with a remarkable variety of 
timber, and its vegetation is a blending of that of the coastal 
plain and the highest piedmont region, for it is on the boundaiy 
line between the long-leaf pine and the hard woods Avhich mark 
the piedmont section. 

Raleigh is the official, social, educational and publication cen- 
tre of the State. Here there are the State capitol, the Agricul- 
tural Department and its Museum, the latter the finest in the 
South; the new Administration building; Confederate Soldiers' 
Homo; State Hospital for Insane and Epileptics; State Peni- 
tentiary; State School for the White Blind, and that for negro 
deaf-mutes and blind, both of these being the largest in the 
United States; State Fair grounds; State Agricultural and 
Mechanical College; Experiment and Poultry Farms, etc. 

Raleigh has twenty-eight educational institutions, with 7,000 
students, half of them being from other points, and it affords 
opportunities for the training of boys and girls not surpassed by 
any other capital in the country, as there are here provided 



SKETCHES OF WAKE COUNTY 175 

literary, industrial and agricultural instruction and training- 
unsurpassed anywhere. 

Raleigh has built an Auditorium which divides the honors 
with that at Houston, Texas, as the finest in all the South, its 
capacity being 5,000, its accoustics perfect and its arrangements, 
ventilation, heating, lighting, etc., unexcelled. The city has five 
hotels. It has fourteen miles of street railway, one line leading 
to the Raleigh Country Club — easily one of the most beautiful 
places in the country. The libraries, open to the public, are 
extensive and attractive, and the social life of the city is wide in 
its variety and is especially pleasing to visitors. 

Raleigh is a noted publication centre and issues forty-two 
newspapers and periodicals. Its eight banks have deposits aggre- 
gating more than eight millions. 

Raleigh's growth is so rapid as to attract general attention. 
In 1912 its new building operation amounted to more than a mil- 
lion and a half dollars, and a great deal of new construction has 
been inaugurated this year. 

Raleigh is the electric-power centre of eastern North Caro- 
lina, getting this power, from three rivers — the Yadkin, Cape 
Fear and Neuse — and having an auxiliary steam plant, all pro- 
ducing 50,000 horse power, operating all the plants here and 
furnishing light and power to twenty-five other points, the total 
investment exceeding $6,500,000. It is the only place in the 
United States thus getting power from three streams. 

Raleigh offers special advantages as a manufacturing and job- 
bing point in many lines — as an office centre from which to con- 
duct business in one of the most prosperous States in the South ; 
as a place for the investor and developer, the home-seeker, the 
merchant and the business world generally. It is stated upon 
high authority that two other important railways, the Atlantic 
Coast Line and the Norfolk & Western, will enter this city 
within two years. 

Raleigh's motto is : "Let no one be a stranger but once." 

More extended information concerning the business life of 
Raleigh may be obtained by addressing the Raleigh Chamber of 
Commerce. 



176 HISTORICAL RALEIGH 



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BIOGRAPHICAL 



"Onlj- lie shall be loved of God and honored of men who is found 
to have accomplished something for human happiness and human 
good." — RoswELL D. Hitchcock. 




JOSEPH GILL BROWN 

The subject of this sketch 
is a native of Kaleigh, born 
November 5, 1854, and is 
the son of Henry J. and 
Lydia (Lane) Brown. He 
comes of distinguished colo- 
nial and early State ances- 
try, being the great-grand- 
son of Joel Lane, the origi- 
nal owner of the site of the 
capital city, at whose house 
in Bloomsbury (now in- 
cluded in the city) the Rev- 
olutionary Committee of 
Safety met. He is also de- 
scended from Col. Weedham Bryant, of Johnston County, who 
was a representative in the Provincial Congress and during the 
Revolution was a staunch patriot. 

Mr. Brown was educated at Lovejoy Academy, in Raleigh, and 
at Trinity College when that prince among great educators. Dr. 
Braxton Craven, took boys and made men of them. Before he 
was of age young Joseph Brown secured a subordinate position 
in the Citizens National Bank, in Raleigh, and within a few 
years, through rapid promotion, he rose to the head of this 
important financial institution. Under his management the 
business of the bank has expanded wonderfully. In ten years 
the deposits increased from $333,000 to $925,000 and the re- 
sources nearly trebled. 

Mr. Brown has been an active worker in the Methodist Church. 
12 



178 HISTORICAL RALEIGH 

He has been a member of Edenton Street Sunday Sebool half a 
century. It was an appropriate celebration of the fiftieth year 
of his connection with the school that its magnificent new build- 
ing was completed and opened in the spring of 1912. He has 
been a delegate to the North Carolina Conference regularly for 
many years, and has also been a delegate to several sessions of 
the General Conference. He has been superintendent of his 
home Sunday school twelve years, and is chairman of the board 
of church stewards. He is a trustee and treasurer of the Meth- 
odist Orphanage in Raleigh. 

Mr. Brown is prominent in the membership of the National 
Bankers Association. He has been grand master of the Grand 
Lodge of Odd Felows and representative to the Sovereign Grand 
Lodge. In civic capacities he has served as alderman and treas- 
urer of the city of Raleigh. 

In 1881 Mr. Brown married Miss Alice, daughter of Rev. 
L. S. Burkhead, D.D., a prominent minister of the M. E. Church, 
South. He has two sons and two daughters. 

JESSE GRIFFIN BALL 

Prominent among the leading citizens and in the front rank 
with those concerned in the capital city's true welfare and pros- 
perity is the subject of this sketch, Mr. Jesse Griffin Ball, one 
of the progressive spirits to whose industry, intellect, and civic 
pride wide-awake Raleigh is in a large measure indebted for its 
recent marvelous developmnt. 

Mr. Ball is the third son of John T. and Laura (Griffin) Ball, 
and first saw the light in Graham, Alamance County, June 25, 
1862. He has, however, been practically a lifelong resident of 
Raleigh, having removed with his parents to Raleigh when a 
child. 

Paternally, Mr. Ball is descended from English ancestry; on 
his mother's side he is of Scotch lineage — that race noted for its 
industry, courage, intrepidity and high integrity, and from 
which is descended legions of illustrious characters, noted both 
in American and State history. The remote ancestors of Mr. 



BIOGRAPHICAL 



179 




Ball, both paleiiiall}' and luatenially, emigrated to America in 
colonial times and settled in Virginia. Those branches of the 

Ball and Griffin families 
more proximately related to 
the subject of our sketch 
subsequently removed to 
North Carolina and settled 
in 'New Bern. 

The boyhood life of Jesse 
G. Ball was spent like that 
of most other boys — going 
to school during sessions and 
engaging in becoming recre- 
ation in vacation, except 
that he had not the time — ■ 
or rather did not care to 
take it — to devote to play, 
as did his companions ; for young Jesse was industrious and 
early learned to work. His first employment was that of selling 
newspapers, and later, when he grew to be a "big boy," his busi- 
ness energies Avere devoted to catering to the wants of members 
of the Legislature — when that body was in session — by furnish- 
ing them with a goodly supply of apples, oranges, peanuts, etc. 

During this period young Jesse's mercantile talent was gradu- 
ally developing ; likewise was he growing in general intelligence, 
for he early manifested a taste for reading and study, to which 
he is still devoted, as well as to his various business interests. 

Having resolved at an early age to make mercantile pursuits 
his life work, and recognizing the importance of a technical 
business education, in 1881 he matriculated at the celebrated 
Poughkeepsie Business College, where he took a full course, 
graduating the same year. Being then prepared to enter upon 
his business career, he secured employment with the firm of 
M. T. Leach & Bro., wholesale grocers, with whom he remained 
several years, here fitting himself for the more arduous and intri- 
cate work so necessary for a business proprietor, which he had 
long determined to become. 



180 HISTORICAL RALEIGH 

The first business of his own in which Mr. Ball embarked was 
a retail grocery, which he opened in 1891, and in which he met 
with success. In 1898, with superior business acumen, fore- 
sight and commercial talent worthy of a more experienced mer- 
chant, he organized the J. G. Ball Company, the first jobbing 
house for the sale of groceries to be established in Raleigh and 
among the first in the State. The enterprise pointed to eminent 
success before it was launched ; to-day, under the personal super- 
vision and active management of Mr. Ball, its president, it is in 
the front rank of grocery jobbing houses in the State. 

Endowed with a quick and discriminating intellect that has 
been carefully and diligently cultivated, Mr. Ball is one of the 
capital city's broadly educated sons. Concerning matters that 
relate to the science of business, his opinions indicate research 
and thought, and are always instructive as well as interesting. 

In Raleigh's financial circles Mr. Ball also takes high rank^ 
the organization of the Merchants National Bank here having 
been promoted in part by him. He has been a director of this 
institution since its organization, besides having other interests 
to engage his attention. 

In 1886 Mr. Ball was united in marriage to Miss Lavinia, 
daughter of the late Joseph Kreth, of this city. 

Religiously, Mr. Ball is an Episcopalian, being a communi- 
cant in the Church of the Good Shepherd. With the exception 
of a brief interval, he has been a vestryman for a period of 
twenty-five years. 

NEEDHAM BRYANT BROUGHTON 

A CONSPICUOUS example of success attained by sticking to one 
thing from first to last is seen in the career of Needham Bryant 
Bronghton, of Raleigli. While this is undeniably true, it is a 
striking fact that in the midst of a busy life of business affairs 
he has found time to devote to a multitnde of matters in which 
the welfare of others was concerned. It is Avorthy of note that, 
while he has made a name that is a household word in North 
Carolina as the head of an industrial business that is in the lead 



BIOGRArHICAL 



181 




with others of the kind in the State, he has made a reputation 
that extends far beyond the borders of this commonwealth in a 

work that relates to the spirit- 
ual uplift not only of his own 
community, but of the whole 
world. 

It was on St. Valentine's 
Day, in the year 1848, that 
Needham B. Broughton first 
saw the light, on a farm near 
Auburn, in Wake County, the 
son of Joseph and Mary (Bag- 
well) Brought on. 

His father having died in 
1854, in 18 56, being eight years 
of age, he came to Raleigh. 
Here he attended the public schools for three years, and was then 
apprenticed to learn a trade in a printing office. He had the 
good fortune to secure employment as an apprentice under John 
W. Syme, Esq., in the office of The Raleigh Register, and here he 
worked at the case until 1864. At the close of the War Between 
the States he went to Washington, where for some time he 
worked on The Congressional Glohe. Later he went to ISTew 
York and set type in The Herald office. 

In 1872 Mr. Broughton returned to Raleigh and engaged in 
the printing business with Mr. C. B. Edwards, establishing the 
firm of Edwards & Broughton, which, with a few changes in 
name and personnel, has continued to this day. The present 
style of the business is Edwards & Broughton Printing Com- 
pany, a corporation, of which Mr. Broughton is president. Mr. 
Edwards not long ago retired from the company. The house 
does a large printing and binding business, and has recently 
installed an engraving department. Nearly a hundred people 
are on the pay roll. The output amounts to many thousands of 
dollars annually. It is interesting to know that this business 
was founded without a dollar of capital. 



182 HISTORICAL RALEIGH 

John Broiigliton, the grandfather of the subject of this sketchy 
with his three brothers, came to America from England in their 
early manhood. Their parents, John and Mary Broiighton, it is 
said, are buried in Westminster Abbey, London. Broughton 
Castle, near Banbury, is understood to be the ancestral home of 
the family. 

A member of the Broughton family who has risen to fame and 
is known on both sides of the Atlantic as a great preacher is 
Rev. Dr. Len G. Broughton, who was born near Raleigh, grew 
up in the city, studied medicine and engaged in the practice of 
the profession, gave it up in response to a call to the gospel min- 
istry, served as pastor of the Baptist Tabernacle in Atlanta, 
where he accomplished a remarkable work and achieA'ed a ]")he- 
nomenal success. He is now pastor of Christ Church in London. 
He is a nephew of JSTeedham B. Broughton. 

Mr. KTeedham B. Broughton married Miss Caroline R. Lougee, 
daughter of William J. and Caroline Lougee. Their children 
are Effie Lee, wife of Mr. C. B. Park; Edgar E., Rosa C, 
Carrie L., Mary IST. (wife of Mr. S. O. Garrison) ; ISTeedham 
B., Jr. 

In a public capacity Mr. Broughton has served a term in the 
State Senate and has been chairman of the Democratic Execu- 
tive Committee for the Fourth Congressional District ; has also 
served as trustee of the State School for the Deaf and of the 
College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts. In a civic capacity 
he has served his community as a member of the Chamber of 
Commerce, Merchants Association, Young Men's Christian Asso- 
ciation, etc. For eighteen years he has been trustee of the 
Oxford Or])han Asylum. He is a trustee of Wake Forest Col- 
lege and of Meredith College. He is a member of one of the 
Masonic lodges of Raleigh. 

In his church relations Mr. Broughton is a Missionary Bap- 
tist. For thirty years he has been secretary of the Baptist State 
Convention, and for the same length of time superintendent of 
the Tabernacle Baptist Sunda}^ School and deacon of the church. 
He is vice-president of the Sunday School Board of the Southern 
Baptist Convention. If he were asked Avliich of his many duties 



BIOGRAPHICAL 183 

and responsibilities is nearest to his heart, doubtless he would 
place his relation to the Tabernacle Sunday School first. It is 
through his Sunday-school work that Mr. Broughton has become 
widely known among Sunday-school workers, and through him 
the Tabernacle has become known far and wide as a front-rank 
school. Mr. Broughton has been at the head of the State Sun- 
day School organization, and has attended a number of inter- 
national conventions, as well as the World's Convention in 
Rome. He is a member of the Executive Committee of the 
International Sunday School Association. 

More than thirty years ago Mr. Broughton became identified 
with the temperance movement, and was at one time at the 
head of the State Grand Lodge of Good Templars. He has not 
outlined his temperance principles, for he is as strongly opposed 
to liquor selling and liquor drinking as he ever was, and it is one 
of the planks of his platform that the prohibitory laws should 
be strictly enforced. 

Mr. Broughton is a diligent reader. First on his list of books 
is the Book of Books. After that, his subjects embrace history, 
biography, fiction, the best magazines and daily and weekly 
l^apers. He writes occasionally for the press, the papers to 
which he contributes being The Bihlical Recorder and the two 
Raleigh dailies. 

If he were asked to give a formula for success in life, Mr. 
Broughton would say : Faith in the Father, Son and Holy 
Ghost ; identification with the church and its agencies and work ; 
love of home and kindred; association with the best people; an 
earnest desire to serve others. 

JOSEPH DOZIER BOUSHALL 

Prominent in the business, civic and religious life of Raleigh 
and Wake County is Joseph Dozier Boushall, who was born in 
Camden County, February 20, 1864, in the same house in which 
his father and his father's mother were born. The land on which 
the house still stands was given to Col. Joseph Dozier for distin- 
guished service in the Continental Army. Mr. Boushall is the 
paternal great-grandson of Col. Joseph Dozier, of the American 



184 HISTORICAL RALEIGH 

Revolution. His father, Thomas B. Boushall, was a colonel of 
militia in the War Between the States. His mother was Annie, 
daughter of Rev. George M. Thompson, a pioneer Baptist min- 
ister who came to eastern North Carolina from England. 

Mr. Boushall was educated at Wake Forest College, from 
which institution he graduated in 1886. While a student at col- 
lege, at the age of nineteen years, he Avas made a deacon of the 
Baptist church, and a week before his graduation he was elected 
superintendent of public instruction for his native county. This 
beginning of public life was followed by his appointment to the 
position of chief clerk under Gen. W. P. Roberts, State Auditor. 
He served in the same capacity under Dr. G. W. Sanderlin. At 
the Democratic State Convention next succeeding, Dr. Sanderlin 
aspired to the nomination for Governor. Mr. Boushall was a 
candidate for Auditor, with every assurance of success, but when 
Dr. Sanderlin was disappointed in his aspirations Mr. Boushall 
withdrew from the contest for Auditor and Dr. Sanderlin was 
renominated for the position. 

In 1898 Mr. Boushall was a candidate for the House in Wake 
County. He took a leading part in the campaign for white 
supremacy and led the ticket in a reversal of the former fusion 
majority of 1,300 to a Democratic majority of 650. In the 
Legislature the following winter he served on a number of promi- 
nent committees, notably the Judiciary and Finance committees, 
being chairman of the House Committee on Insurance, and was 
active in promoting much important legislation at that session. 
In 1900 he was a candidate for the nomination for State Treas- 
urer, and in 1912 for Lieutenant-Governor, and though he failed 
to receive either nomination a very flattering vote was given 
him in both contests. 

Since his retirement from the clerkship in the Auditor's office 
Mr. Boushall has devoted his energies to his private business 
affairs in this city. He was for a number of years general agent 
of the ^tna Life Insurance Company, which position he re- 
signed in 1907. The next year he became general agent of the 
Equitable, in Avhich relation he continues at this time. While 
in the Auditor's office he studied law and was admitted to the 



BIOGRAPHICAL 185 

bar, and for a sliort time was engaged in the practice of the 
profession. 

Mr. Boushall's services to the church have been numerous, 
showing the confidence in which he is held by his denomination. 
He was superintendent of the First Baptist Sunday School four 
years, treasurer of the Baptist State Convention eleven years, 
trustee of Meredith College almost from the day of its founding, 
and is now the next oldest deacon, in point of service, of the 
First Baptist Church. 

Mr. Boushall has served the city of his adoption on the board 
of aldermen. For two years he was a member of the executive 
committee of the National Underwriters Association, and at the 
present time is president of the I^orth Carolina Life Under- 
writers Association. 

In 1889 Mr. Boushall married Miss Mattie, daughter of the 
late Col. J. M. Heck, of Raleigh. To this union have been born 
four sons. 

WILLIAM ALONZO SIMPKINS 

The subject of this sketch is a native of Wake County, born 
near Raleigh, January 22, 1868. He has been a resident of 
Raleigh since October, 1910. Here he ranks with the leading 
citizens of the capital, and is prominent in all things that con- 
cern the highest welfare of its people. 

The educational advantages of Mr. Simpkins were but meagre ; 
still, similar to many other successful men, he has not allowed 
this to be a stumbling-block; for, possessed of an abundance of 
native intelligence, indomitable energy, and business ability of 
a high order, he knows no such word as fail, and has hewn his 
way to the front in the industrial and economic world, as well 
as in other spheres of usefulness. 

When quite a young man Mr. Simpkins became well -and 
favorably known to the people of Raleigh by his residence near 
the city, occasioned by his interest, as manager, in the cotton 
plantation and trucking farm of Mr. Y. C. Royster, a prominent 
citizen of the metropolis. Here he remained several years, prov- 
ing himself to be most industrious, highly capable, and a man 
thoroughly familiar with his business in all its details. 



186 HISTORICAL RALEIGH 

If some people are born farmers, and can be distingnislied, as 
they should, only by the results they have attained — what they 
have accomplished in their chosen field of effort ; and if, as some 
writer has so forcibly and truthfully said, "he is a benefactor 
to man who makes two blades of grass grow where only one 
grew before" — then it is no exaggeration to say of the subject of 
this sketch that he is a most potent factor in the industrial life 
of the people of Wake, and of the agriculturists of the State 
especially. The Simpkins farms, two miles southwest of Raleigh, 
are models, in all respects, of agricultural skill, and exemplify 
in an eminent degree the high perfection to which agriculture 
may be brought when under the care and supervision of a mas- 
ter mind and hand. 

Particularly prominent is Mr. Simpkins with the cotton grow- 
ers of J^orth Carolina, and, indeed, with those throughout all 
the cotton-growing States, where the celebrated Simpkins Pro- 
lific Cotton Seed is a household word; for the long use of this 
seed by the planters in this vast cotton-planting region has re- 
sulted not only in the production of a much greater (two-fold) 
yield of this staple, but in a large measure has been instrumen- 
tal in the destruction of its greatest enemy — the boll weevil — for 
the Simpkins Prolific matures before the season for this pest's 
approach. The Prolific is exclusively planted by the ISTorth 
Carolina A. & M. College on its cotton farm, and for the past 
seven years has taken first premium on best stalks, best seed, best 
lint and best acre. At every annual State Fair Mr. Simpkins 
offers prizes, ranging from fifteen to thirty-five dollars, to the 
Wake County boy who exhibits the best cotton and the greatest 
number of bolls on one stalk. 

Although engaged in numerous industrial activities calling 
for the consumption of much valuable time, Mr. Simpkins is 
devoted to the spiritual welfare of the people of his denomina- 
tion — the Primitive Baptists — with whom he is a leader and 
much beloved for his loyalty to the church and for his high 
Christian character. He was called to the Raleigh church 
shortly after his ordination, fourteen years ago, and for the past 
eleven years has also served devotedly three other charges. 



BIOGRAPHICAL 



187 



Mr. Simpkins has been twice married, his first wife having 
been Miss Jenolia Parker, of Wake County. On JSTovember 13, 
1892, he was united in marriage to Miss Minnie E.. Moore, of 
Sampson County. Of the first marriage there was bom one 
child, Floyd Elmer, now living. There are five living children 
by the second marriage — Gertrude, Hallie, Isaac, Mildred and 
Edmond. 

WILLIAM ALEXANDER COOPER 

"The criteria by which 
a human life is to be judged 
are the benefits it has con- 
ferred on the social commu- 
nity in which its lot is cast, 
and the extent of its con- 
tributions to the advance- 
ment of the human race." 

Prominent among other 
citizens of Raleigh to whom 
this axiomatic truth will ap- 
ply is the subject of this 
sketch, who is always in the 
front rank of those inter- 
ested in the municipal, in- 
dustrial and religious wel- 
fare of the capital and its 
inhabitants, and the moral 
uplift of humanity. 
Mr. Cooper is a native of Forsyth County, born in Clemmons- 
ville, May 28, 1868, and is the son of Thomas Dabney and Sarah 
(Wommack) Cooper, both now deceased. His educational ad- 
vantages were limited, his school training having been confined 
to the public schools. 

When quite a small boy, at the age of sixteen, young Cooper 
bade good-bye to the scenes of his childhood, and, going to Wins- 
ton, there entered upon the active duties of life, engaging as an 
apprentice in a vocation which he had selected as his life work — 
the marble and granite business. 




188 HISTORICAT. RALEIGH 

At the expiration of four years, having sensed the full term 
of his apprenticeship, he became a copartner in the business with 
his brother-in-law, Mr. Frank Cook, succeeding his former em- 
ployer. 

After i^rosecuting his work in Winston-Salem for six years, 
believing that a wider field of usefulness awaited him elsewhere, 
in 1894 he came, with his brothers, Messrs. T. R. and G. W. 
Cooper, to Raleigh, where they purchased the Raleigh Marble 
Works. Here, under the firm name of Cooper Bros, (or Coopers 
of Raleigh, then Cooper Monument Company, as the business is 
now known), they have since conducted with eminent success one 
of the most complete and extensive monument establishments in 
this or any other State. Their establishment is situated on West 
Martin Street, near the Union Station, overlooking I^Tash Square, 
and is equipped with all the latest and best machinery for the 
working of stone, electric power, using compressed air for run- 
ning the carving tools, dressers, smithshop, etc., the work being 
turned out completed — cut, carved, polished, lettered and boxed 
by machinery. 

jSTotable among other monuments recently erected by the 
Coopers of Raleigh are those of John Carroll, first bishop of 
Baltimore, in Washington, D. C, the first monument of North 
Carolina stone to be erected in the public parks of the Nation's 
capital; Governor Z. B. Vance, in Capitol Square; Gen. M. W. 
Ransom, in Northampton County; Judge A. S. Merrimon and 
Hon. Thomas C. Fuller, in the City Cemetery; Governor Curtis 
Brogden, in Goldsboro; Governor Elias Carr, in Edgecombe 
County; Confederate monuments in a number of counties in 
North Carolina, and many others of like magnitude in this and 
other States. 

On January 6, 1909, the twenty-fifth anniversary of his busi- 
ness career, Mr. Cooper was the recipient of a beautiful letter 
from Governor R. B. Glenn, himself from Forsyth County, in 
which he referred to the standing of the Cooper brothers as 
workmen and to their high character as men, congratulating 
them on their progress in business, and the exalted plane on 
which their affairs have always been conducted, concluding his 
letter with his best wishes and continued friendship. 



BIOGRAPHICAL 189 

In every movement having for its object the betterment of the 
city and its ninnicipal affairs Mr. Cooper is especially promi- 
nent. He has served three terms as alderman from the Third 
Ward, and was chairman of the street committee — the most 
efficient official, it is conceded by all, who has ever occupied that 
position. At the expiration of his second term of office, in 1909, 
feeling that the duties of his position bore too heavily upon him, 
and that his private affairs demanded his undivided attention, he 
was much opposed to longer public service as alderman ; but so 
faithful had he been in the discharge of his duties, and so great 
had been the progress of the city, especially in its improved 
streets, under his direction as chairman of the street committee, 
that, in the face of his strenuous objections, he was again nomi- 
nated, unanimously, and re-elected. The substantial asphalt 
pavements with which Raleigh's principal streets are now laid 
are in a large measure due to the tireless efforts of Mr. Cooper 
to make our thoroughfares comport favorably with those of the 
leading cities in the country, and were the first to be laid in this 
State. The electric street sprinkler, among other devices for 
improving the streets, originated with Mr. Cooper. 

He is president of the Cooper Monument Company, president 
of Granita Company, and one of the prime movers in the organ- 
ization of and a director in the Anchor Trust Company. 

Religiously, Mr. Cooper is identified with the Baptist church. 
He is affiliated with the Raleigh Baptist Tabernacle, prominent 
in all its endeavors, and active in everything tending toward its 
spiritual advancement. In the late successful movement for 
enlarging and remodeling the church he was among the leading 
spirits and most active workers. He is a Mason of prominence — 
a Knight Templar; a member of the Baptist Mission Board, 
Board of Charities, Law and Order League, Board of Health, 
Good Health League, and trustee of the new Y. M. C. A. He is 
also a trustee of Rex Hospital, an institution that has proven a 
great blessing not only to the citizens of Raleigh, but likewise 
to hundreds in other sections of the State who resort to it for 
treatment. Other philanthropic work in which Mr. Cooper is 
specially and deeply interested is that of the Baptist Orphanage 



190 HISTORICAL RALEIGH 

at Thomasville, his reputation in this respect being coextensive 
with the length and breadth of the commonwealth. The festive 
occasions at the Orphanage, held annually, and known as 
"Cooper Carnival," was originated by Mr. Cooper, and this 
period is always hailed as a time of much rejoicing by the hun- 
dreds of little hearts which are then gladdened, and by the wel- 
come presence of their devoted friend. 

Personally, Mr. Cooper is modest, charitable, broad-minded 
and liberal, impressing his character upon the manners and 
morals of his times, always ready to render aid in every good 
and nqble work having for its purpose the advancement of 
society and the well-being of his fellow-man. 

JOHN ALLISON MILLS 

Of the many representative men of Raleigh, few, if any, have 
won a more prominent position in the raili'oad and financial 
world, nor can anyone boast of a more honorable record in these 
spheres of usefulness, in North Carolina, than John Allison 
Mills, who, from an humble position in life, by sheer force of 
character, indomitable energy, and superior executive ability, 
arose, within the space of a few years, to the proud position of 
a I'ailroad presidency and a leader in the economic, financial and 
industrial affairs of the State. 

Mr. Mills is a native of Wake County and is of Scotch 
and English ancestry. He was born on his father's farm, near 
Fuquay Springs, January 9, 1858, and is the son of Wiley J. 
Mills (deceased) and Charity (Wilburn) Mills, being the eldest 
of eleven children — six boys and five girls. Three of his brothers 
and one sister are dead. His living brothers are successfully 
engaged in the lumber business — one of them (Walter) at Cam- 
den, South Carolina, the other (Wayland) at Lakewood, Florida. 
His living sisters are Mrs. J. L. Kowland, of Willow Springs ; 
Mrs. D. T. Adams, of Holly Springs ; Mrs. Dr. Hubbard Utley, 
of Benson, and Mrs. McPhail, of LakeAvood, Florida. 

Similar to other youths of slender fortune and limited oppor- 
tunities, who later reach prominence and distinction in spheres 



BIOGRAPHICAL 191 

of their chosen effort, young Mills had but few educational 
advantages, his father being an unpretentious farmer, of modest 
means, unable to give his sons' education greater care than to 
allow of their attendance at the public schools, and this was 
during such seasons only as they could be spared from their 
routine work on the farm. Thus was spent young John's career 
until he had arrived at the age of twenty. Wishing then to 
strike out for himself in the busy world, and to make a name 
among men, he succeeded in securing employment with N. M. 
Norris in the lumber and grist mill business. Here he toiled for 
five years, detennining to familiarize himself with every detail 
of this industry; for the spirit of the young man was burning 
with ambition, not only to learn milling as an operative merely, 
but to so imderstand it as would enable him to later conduct 
affairs of this character on his own responsibility. His activi- 
ties in this vocation were later extended to Moore County, where 
he was eminently successful in the manufacture of lumber, the 
first shipment of long-leaf pine bill timber from this section 
being made by Mr. Mills and going to Philadelphia. 

Coming to Raleigh in 1892, he promoted the organization of 
the Mills Manufacturii^g Company, for the manufacture of 
lumber and wagons. While engaged in the management of this 
concern he became interested in the Raleigh & Cape Fear Rail- 
road and was elected its president. The terminus of the road 
was intended, originally, to be at Fuquay Springs, but later it 
was extended to Lillington. This remained its terminus for four 
years, when, in 1902, the Raleigh & Southport Railroad Com- 
pany was organized, with Mr. Mills as its president. This road 
was consolidated mtli the Raleigh & Cape Fear Railroad and 
its operation extended to Fayetteville, its present terminus, 
which it entered on the 9th day of July, 1906, amidst much 
rejoicing of the people. The line of this road traverses one of 
the finest long-leaf pine and fruit sections of the State, and in 
its completion from Raleigh to Fayetteville Mr. Mills was the 
leading spirit. In its accomplishment he achieved a distinction 
in railroad circles and the business world such as few men have 
attained in North Carolina. 



192 HISTORICAL KALEIGH 

Mr. Mills is now actively interested, as its president, in the 
construction of the Elkin & Alleghany Railroad, extending 
from Elkin, in Surry County, to Sparta, in Alleghany County, a 
line in which the State holds considerable stock. 

Mr. Mills is president of the Anchor Trust Company, a 
director of the Commercial National Bank, the Mechanics Sav- 
ings Bank, and is on the executive committee and advisory board 
of the North Carolina Agricultural Society. 

On October 21, 1884, he was married to Miss Julia Isabella 
Johnson, of Cardenas, Wake County, daughter of W. W. and 
Rhoda Ann (Jones) Johnson, and cousin of Messrs. J. B. and 
K. B. Johnson, of Cardenas. Six children have blessed this 
union, two of whom are dead, viz.. Myrtle and Edward Bok. 
Those now living are John Maple, Walter Hartwick, Eugene 
and Daniel. 

Religiously, Mr. Mills is prominently identified with the 
Christian Church, and is treasurer of the Southern Christian 
Convention. Among other positions of honor and trust to which 
he has been called is that of member of the board of trustees of 
Elon College, and of the Board of County Commissioners of 
Wake, of which last-mentioned body he is chairman. He has 
recently been called to the presidency of the North Carolina 
Agricultural Society. He is affiliated with the Masonic frater- 
nity, being a member of William G. Hill Lodge, No. 218, and is 
also identified with the Order of Elks. 

In the front rank, always, of those interested in the State's 
resources and their development, Mr. Mills is a public-spirited, 
broad-minded citizen. As a friend, he is sincere and faithful, 
and in every sphere of life a man whom any State may well feel 
proud to call her son. 



BIOGRAPHICAL 



193 




GEORGE THOMAS NORWOOD 
Treasurer Wake County 

The subject of this sketch 
was born in Orange County 
on February 8, 1860, but 
has been, practically, a life- 
long resident of Wake. He 
is a son of William B. and 
Damsel (Debnam) Nor- 
Avood, and a descendant of 
the Wake County family of 
J^orwoods, whose name is 
contemporaneous with the 
yeomanry and early history 
of the county. 

The education of Mr. 
^STorwood was confined to the public schools of E-aleigh, which 
he attended until twelve years of age. Desiring then to fit him- 
self for the active duties of life, he determined to learn the trade 
of bookbinding, and accordingly he secured a position with John 
Armstrong, a prominent bookbinder of Raleigh of that period, 
under whom he served a regular apprenticeship. He later be- 
came a copartner in the business. 

Since this time he has been identified with the bookbinders' 
trade and devoted to the interest of his craft, as well as to the 
welfare of labor, whether skilled or unskilled, and stands high 
in trades councils. He is a representative and staunch "union" 
man, and organized the first bookbinders' union in Raleigh, an 
independent body, Avhich later became a member of the Inter- 
national Union of Bookbinders, and was the first delegate from 
the Raleigh union to the International Convention at Cleveland, 
Ohio, in 1900, when he was made district organizer for the 
Southern States. He is also affiliated with the Royal Arcanum 
and prominently identified with the J. O. A. M. 

Mr. ISTorwood is endoAved with moral qualities of a high order, 
is cheerful, gentle and unassuming in manner, and universally 
13 



394 HISTORICAL RALEIGH 

esteemed, having a wide circle of friends, regardless of party or 
faction, in every section of Wake. 

In tile clioice made by the people of Wake, in 1910 and 1912, 
for the candidate to fill the office of County Treasurer, it is 
evident that no mistake was made by the election of George 
T. ISTorwood, for efficiency has marked his career throughout the 
period he has served, and he has given entire satisfaction to 
every one who recognizes the superior qualities — personal and 
otherwise — required of one who occupies a position of this im- 
portant nature. Careful, painstaking and industrious in the 
discharge of his official duties; invariably amiable and friendly 
in personal intercourse, the j^eriod cannot be recalled in the 
county's history when this office was occupied by one more 
capable and popular than its present incumbent. With the 
exception of one term of service as alderman of the City of 
Raleigh, this is the first official position he has occupied. 

Mr. Norwood is identified with the Episcopal Church and is 
a communicant in the Church of the Good Shepherd in Raleigh. 
For some time he was superintendent of the Sunday school and 
later held the office of secretary-treasurer. 

In May, 1884, he Avas happily united in marriage to Miss 
Annie R. Davis, daughter of Reddick and Eupheinia (Rives) 
Davis, of Chatham County. Of this union there is one living 
child — John T., now a bright medical student in Raleigh. 

As a broad-minded citizen, and as one who studies the inter- 
ests of his fellow-man, Mr. Norwood believes that the County 
of Wake needs more manufactures, also that the trucking indus- 
try should be encouraged and increased in volume. 

ALECK ROSENGARTEN 

Wide-awake Raleigh might never have been known as such 
if there had been no citizens of Hebrew descent in it. Indeed, 
Avherever a live conmiunity exists, there are to be found worthy 
sons of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob actively engaged in honor- 
able pursuits and contributing their i)art to the general 
])rosperity. 



BIOGRAPHKWL 195 

Aleck Rosengarten was born in Russia, tlie son of Isaac 
Rosengarten. At the early age of fourteen years lie left home 
and friends and native land, and, without kindred or com- 
panion, he crossed the broad Atlantic and arrived in America 
with a few hmidred dollars and a purpose to make a fortune. 
That was in 1SS9. How well he succeeded is told in what 
follows. 

The first employment of Mr. Rosengarten was in a dry-goods 
and clothing store in Brooklyn. After working as a clerk long 
enough to learn the business, he opened a store on his own 
account. His success was all that could be desired ; but, hearing 
of the fine openings for business there were in the Sunny South, 
he resolved to come to the land of cotton, and so he moved to 
Raleigh, where he entei-ed actively into business and soon became 
a potent factor in developing the commercial interests of our 
city, and helped in his modest way to bring on the wave of pros- 
perity that is the pride of every citizen and the wonder of all 
who but a few years ago knew the capital city of N^orth Carolina 
as a sleepy old town. 

The J. Rosengarten Company, of wdiich Aleck Rosengarten 
is president, holds a leading position in the clothing trade of 
Raleigh. With one of the most eligible locations in Fayetteville 
Street, with a store modernly equipped and furnished, with a 
stock that meets the requirements of the n\ost fastidious and 
exacting trade, this firm enjoys a large share of business and 
merits its well-earned popularity. Through countless genera- 
tions the descendants of Israel have been successful as traders, 
and in every part of the civilized world they are known for their 
energy, their enterprise and their thrift. In America, particu- 
larly, the Hebrews have been first among the foremost of mer- 
chants. In Raleigh they are an important part of its commer- 
cial life, and none of their race stands higher in the public 
esteem than Aleck Rosengarten. 

While the clothing business is the main chance with Mr. 
Rosengarten, he has made large investments in real estate. Some 
time ago he made a large purchase in West Cabarrus Street. At 
that time there was no connection between Cabarrus Street and 



1»6 



HISTORICAL RALEIGH 



Boylan Heights, but Mr. Iloseiigarten gave the laud over 
which it was necessary to make the couueetiou, and by that act 
became a public benefactor. In other parts of the city he has 
valuable real estate holdings. In Swain Street, betAveen Davie 
and Martin, he owns a number of modern-type residence houses, 
attractively finished with slate roofs, besides a store building in 
the same locality. He has had granolithic sidewalks laid along 
the front of this property, greatly improving the street and 
enhacing the value of adjacent houses and lots, which is another 
examjile of his public spirit. 

The interest of Mr. Rosengarten in the Avelfare, progress and 
prosperity of Raleigh is shown by his connection with two im- 
portant enterprises of the city — one a promoter of other enter- 
prises and financial convenience to the community, and the other 
a home-builder. To be more particular, he is a member of the 
board of directors of the Merchants ]^ational Bank, a director 
of the Mutual Building and Loan Association and a member of 
the loan committee of that institution. 

The friends of Aleck Rosengarten are so numerous that no- 
body except the census taker could count them. A man who is 
friendly to everybody, courteous to all with whom he comes in 
contact, obliging to all customers, and Avith the fine instinct that 
recognizes the wants of a visitor to his place of business before 
they are spoken, ho could not help having friends. Besides, he 
has a gentleman's regard for the rights and opinions of his 
fellow-man, a quality that is not always found among men who 
haA^e made a success in life and have accumulated a store of 
worldly possessions. 

The fraternal spirit is strong in Mr. Rosengarten. Among 
the Masons he is prominent and is held in high esteem by his 
brethren. He is a member of Hiram Lodge, No. 40, and is also 
a Royal Arch Mason. The Red Men, too, claim liiiu as their 
own, for Avhen he Avas a paleface, wandering in the forest, they 
took him into their Avigwam, made a good Indian of liiiii and 
elcA'ated him to the dignity of chief. 

Though born in the empire of the ("zar. Mr. Rosengarten be- 
came an American citizen bj' naturalization. He does not get 



BIOGRAPHICAL 



197 



excited about politics, but he takes a citizen's interest in public 
affairs, and be discbarges bis duty, as be understands it, by 
voting tbe Democratic ticket, just tbe same as do hundreds of 
otber good people in Raleigb and elsewhere. 




JOHN ALSEY PARK 

Newspaper men as a rule 
do not make their mark the 
first year or two they are in 
tbe business, but John Alsey 
Park, of Raleigh, has done 
so. As publisher and prin- 
cipal owner of The Raleigh 
Times he has made a con- 
spicuous success and has 
brought his paper into a 
position of prominence and 
influence. He is one of the 
kind of men who always 
make good. 

John A. Park Avas born in Raleigh, IST. C, November 19, 1885, 
and is the son of Benjamin F. and Fannie C. (Bevers) Park. 
Paternally he is of Irish descent, his great-grandfather, with two 
brothers, emigrating from Ireland to America during the colo- 
nial period and settling in Virginia. His paternal grandfather 
was John Keefe, who married Miss Margaret Adams, of Vir- 
ginia, -a niece of President John Adams. Benjamin F. Park 
came to Raleigh from his home in Clarksville, Va., in his early 
manhood, and before his death in 1898 was a prominent citizen 
of tbe capital. His wife was a native of Raleigh and a member 
of a family identified with the yeomanry of Wake for many 
generations. 

After finishing his preliminary education in the public schools 
of Raleigh, Mr. Park entered the North Carolina College of 
Agriculture and Mechanic Arts in this city, from which institu- 
tion he graduated in 1905 with the degree of Bachelor of 



198 HISTORICAL RALEIGH 

Engineering. He then went abroad and took a special course 
in Kensington Technical Institute, London. While a student in 
the A. k M. College he took high rank. He was a lieutenant in 
the cadet corps, and as a member of the Leazar Literary Society 
he won the medal for oratory. Llis inclination toward things 
military appears in his subsequent sendee in the National Guard 
and in the Third Regiment Band. 

Mr. Park's career in the active affairs of life began at his 
ahna mater, Avhere, after his return from London, he taught 
mathematics four years. Resigning his position at the A. &: M. 
College, Mr. Park engaged in business as part owner and man- 
ager of the Carolina Garage <fc Machine Company. Two years 
afterward, in 1911, he organized a corporation to buy The 
Raleigh Times. In the new organization he became general man- 
ager, and as publisher is getting along so finely that he thinks 
of staying in the business the rest of his life. He acquired a 
taste for printers' ink in college as manager of Red and White, 
the college magazine. During his vacations he wrote for the 
daily papers. He has never found time to write a book, but he 
has written miles of newspaper copy. His favorite books are 
history, travel and scientific works. 

As a working man, Mr. Park believes in a full day's work — 
six days in the week for everybody. He is a firm believer. in 
road improvement, being convinced that good roads enhance the 
value of property and promote the general prosperity. He 
favors first-class highways throughout the county, regardless of 
cost. His advice to young men is to choose clean associates, let 
tobacco alone, wear a smile always, turn work into ]day and 
play the game hard. 

Mr. Park has a beautiful lionie in Glenwood, a suburb of 
Raleigh, where his good wife, formerly Miss Lily Helen, daugh- 
ter of Dr. Albert D. Pair, of Johnston County, presides Avith 
most charming grace and hosjjitalily. They have two sons — 
John Alsey, Jr., and Albert Pair. 

Mr. Park is a Democrat. He is a member of tlie C^ountry 
Club, and is identified witli the Metliodist Church. In college 
he belonged to the Pi Ka]q>a Aljtha fraternity. 




BIOGRAPHICAL 199 

CHARLES LEANDREW WOODALL 

Prominent among the 
captains of industry of 
J^orth Carolina's capital is 
Charles Leandrew Woodall, 
a native of Kaleigh, where 
he is largely identified with 
the city's industrial welfare 
and recognized as a gener- 
ous contributor to its ma- 
terial interests. For a num- 
ber of years joast he has 
been prominently knoAvn as 
a leading concrete con- 
tractor. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Raleigh, August 8, 
1866, and is the fifth son of A. L. and Sallie (Williams) Woodall. 
Paternally, he is of English descent ; maternally, of Welsh line- 
age. His earliest American ancestors emigrated to America in 
colonial times and settled in Virginia. Subsequently the 
branches of the Woodall and Williams families from which 
Charles L. Woodall descended removed to ISTorth Carolina and 
settled in Wake. These families have been identified with this 
county and its interests since its organization, in 1771. 

The paternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch was 
a well-known and highly respected citizen of Wake. He was a 
tiller of the soil, and, aside from his industry in making good 
crops, his only ambition was to be crier of the County and 
Superior courts. And a crier he was, say the oldest inhabitants, 
for when he cried, "0 yes, yes, come into court !" those for 
whom his voice was intended heard him and, though in remote 
parts of the city, hearkened to his cry. 

Mr. Woodall's maternal grandfather -was Mark Williams, a 
man of great determination, and one who, when he had made up 
his mind to accomplish an object, permitted nothing to swerve 
him from his purpose. He was a man of but limited education, 



200 



HISTORICAL RALEIGH 



though endowed Avith much common sense, and in local politics 
was something of a leader among the Democrats. The valuable 
qualities of native sense, energy, industry and perseverance pos- 
sessed by the grandfathers, the grandson, the subject of this 
sketch, has inherited in a high degree. 

Mr. Woodall's education, like that of the greater portion of 
those who constitute the backbone and muscle of society's ma- 
terial welfare — the foundation of a nation's true wealth — Avas 
confined to the public school. This he attended until eleven 
years of age, when, recognizing the importance of learning some 
useful trade, he became a baker's apprentice. After serving his 
term he continued at his trade for several years, both in Raleigh 
and in Virginia. Subsequently he became the proprietor of a 
bakery in Raleigh, and later, in 1908, with ]']. H. Plummer, he 
was extensively interested in the li^^ery business, on East Morgan 
Street, where he conducted the largest and best-equipped livery 
in the South. Selling out his interest at a later period to Mr. 
Plummer, for some time he was engaged in the automobile busi- 
ness. In all of these activities he met with a large measure 
of success. 

Since 1909 Mr. Woodall's business energies haA'e been exclu- 
sively devoted to concrete work ; and since Raleigh awoke from 
her long slumber and has been truly wide-awake, Mr. Woodall 
has been in the front rank of those active spirits who are keep- 
ing the city alive to greater prosperity than it has ever before 
enjoyed. This he has done, and is doing, by impressing the city 
and its owners of residences with the superiority of concrete 
work over other material heretofore used in its stead. His 
prominence as an authority on concrete work was recognized by 
the county commissioners recently when they aAvarded him the 
contract for constructing a one-mile concrete county road with 
asphalt binder — an experiment to show the superiority of con- 
crete in road-building over other material. This award, was a 
merited recognition, too, of Mr. Woodall's ability in his new 
sphere of usefulness. 

Public-spirited, broad-minded and outspoken concerning mat- 
ters affecting the general welfare of the county and State, Mr. 



BIOGRAPHICAL 201 

Woodall says with, emphasis that the people should never stop 
agitating until an appropriation is made by the General Assem- 
bly adequate to construct all the public roads with concrete — the 
best and most durable of all known material for that purpose. 
"And," he adds, emphatically, "the time is not far distant when 
this will be done." 

On the question of home training of children Mr. Woodall is 
an enthusiast, and would impress upon parents the vital im- 
portance of educating their children to habits of industry and 
instilling into their impressionable minds the priceless value of 
high integrity and right living. 

Mr. Woodall has been married twice. His first wife was Miss 
Fannie V., daughter of Capt. Elias Lawton, a prominent citizen 
of Staunton, Ya. She died in 1902. In 1911 he was united in 
marriage to Miss Alice, daughter of James and Caroline Ford, 
of Wake County. 

Mr. Woodall is identified with the fraternal orders of Royal 
Arcanum, Knights of the Maccabees, and during the existence 
of the Fox Hunting Club was a prominent member. 

Unassuming in manner, of liberal and kind disposition, Mr. 
Woodall has a large circle of friends. No man is more constant 
in his friendships or more unselfish in his devotion to his friends, 
among whom he numbers many of the most prominent citizens 
of the capital and the County of Wake, as well as throughout 
the State. 

HENRY EVANS LITCHFORD 

Once a banker, always a banker. There is no authority at 
haiid for saying- that this is the business motto of Henry E. 
Litchf ord ; but whether it is or not, makes no difference. At any 
rate, he has been living by this rule for thirty years, and if he 
has a proper regard for the wishes of liis friends he will be a 
banker for thirty years more. 

It was on the 4th of February, 1866, that Heni-y Evans Litcli- 
ford was born in the capital city of North Carolina, where he 
has resided all his life. His parents were James J. and Anncella 
Bogue (Westry) Litchf ord. The first Litchf ords in America 



202 



HISTORICAL RALEIGH 




came from England so long ago that the present generation can- 
not assign a date for their migration. They settled on the 

Roanoke and made no pre- 
tensions. They claimed to 
be just plain folks, but they 
were industrious, thrifty 
and frugal — just such folks 
as thousands of early set- 
tlers who transmitted to 
later generations those stur- 
dy qualities that made 
men — men who are the bone 
and sinew of the great 
American republic. It must 
not be inferred, however, 
that the Litchfords were 
lieoi)le in humble circum- 
stances. By no means. The father of Henry Litchford was a 
prominent merchant and leading citizen of Raleigh, and his 
grandfather, James Litchford, was the tailor to whom Andrew 
Johnson, afterwards President of the United States, was in his 
youth ajjprenticed as a student of the shears, the needle and the 
goose. 

The early education of Henry Litchford was obtained in the 
graded schools of Raleigh. Afterwards he attended the Fray & 
Morson School for Bo^'s, an institution that had a larger share 
in making the men of the present generation in this city than 
any other single influence. Here he prosecuted his studies with 
such diligence, and in his intercourse with his fellow-students 
dis])layed such manly (pialities, that when school days were over 
he was ready to take the first step in the making of tlic future 
banker, and the op])ortunity was waiting for him. 

October 12, LS82. was the day Avhen Mr. Litchford became a 
fixture in the Citizens I^ational Bank. Filling a subordinate 
])osition at first, he was not long in showing the stuff that was 
in him, and then came promotion. Slowly, but surely,- he rose 
until he caiiic to the jiosition of cashier, which he has filled with 



BIOGRAPHICAL 203 

great acceptability to the directors and the patrons of the bank. 
Since his connection with the Citizens National the bank has 
kept pace with the growth of the city, and to-day it is one of the 
strongest financial institutions in North Carolina and an im- 
portant factor in the commercial and industrial life of Raleigh. 

The interest that Mr. Litchford takes in the progress of the 
city and the welfare of the public is manifested by his active 
participation in the work of the Chamber of (Commerce, of which 
he is a prominent member. During the year that he served as 
president of that body the City of Raleigh enjoyed an era of 
unexampled prosperity that has projected itself into the admin- 
istration of his successor and gives every promise of continuing 
indefinitely. Mr. Litchford is also a member of the Capital Club 
and of the Country Club. In politics he is a Democrat. He is 
not connected with any church, but his predilections are toward 
the Baptist. 

While making no pretensions to authorship, Mr. Litchford, in 
1910, wrote a paper that caught the lawyers "a-gAvine and 
a-comin'." His study of the system of real estate conveyancing 
in connection with the banking business led him to an inquiry in 
regard to the Torrens system of land registration. He was con- 
vinced that the Torrens system was a good thing — a great im- 
provement over the old system ; so he wrote out his views and 
read them before the North Carolina State Bankers Association. 
Then he had the paper printed in pamphlet form, and it was 
widely circulated and as widely read. The legal profession sat 
up and took notice, and then the Legislature wrestled with the 
subject. The newspapers also discussed it. Every conceivable 
shade of opinion was drawn out, and the consequence was that 
the lawmakers let the matter go to sleep for two years. Mr. 
Litchford is still thoroughly convinced that the Torrens system 
ought to be adopted in North Carolina. Certainly his pamphlet 
makes a very strong presentation of the case. 

The capacity of Mr. Litchford for thinking vigorously and 
expressing himself lucidly and forcefully is not limited to one 
subject. No citizen of Raleigh, perhaps, has a broader view of 
public affairs and a stronger grasp on the vital interests of the 



204 HISTORICAL RALEIGH 

comnumity, but he is becomingly modest about talking for pub- 
lication. If anyone can show him that a certain enterprise or 
a particular policy will improve the condition of the country or 
build up the city, he will become as enthusiastic in support of it 
as anybody. It would not be accurate to say that he has a 
hobby, but he holds to the opinion that if the county will build 
good roads all other good things will come to the country, and as 
the country prospers the city will profit by it. 

On the 9th day of November, 1899, Mr. Litchford Avas happily 
united in marriage to Miss Martha Porter Dancy. Their chil- 
dren are Ann, Martha and James Ousby. 

[Since the foregoing was in type Mr. Litchford has been 
appointed to the positions of vice-president and treasurer of the 
Old Dominion Trust Company, of Richmond, Va.] 

ORAL GENTRY KING 

On the 28tli day of January, 1865, there came into the home 
of Isaiah and Rebecca (Reddish) King, in House's Creek Town- 
ship, Wake County, a boy who was destined to become an im- 
portant factor in the commercial and official public life of the 
capital city of I^ortli Carolina. This boy received the name of 
Oral Gently. His father being a successful farmer, of sterling 
qualities, and his mother a superior woman, who looked well 
after the welfare of her household, young Oral grew up through 
the successive stages of childhood, boyhood and youth under 
circumstances favorable to the development of the best type of 
manhood. Doing his full share of honest toil by day and sleep- 
ing soundly at night, he developed strength of body and clear- 
ness of mind, with a capacity for thinking and doing that has 
characterized his career in the city, where genius for planning 
and ability for executing count most in the stiniggle for su- 
premacy in city life. 

While responding cheerfully and dutifully to every demand 
incident to life on a farm, young Oral attended the public school 
of the district on winter days, and during the long evenings he 
pored diligently over his books, thus early displaying the faculty 
of thoroughly mastering his tasks — a habit that proved of in- 



BIOGRAPHICAL 205 

estimable value in carving out a place for himself in business 
life after he had taken his leave of rural scenes to engage in the 
more strenuous pursuits of a position of respect and influence in 
the city of Raleigh. 

At the age of eighteen years, having attended the public 
schools and a high school, and having heard a whispered call to 
his inner consciousness to prepare for a professional life, Mr. 
King decided that he Avould study medicine, with the view of 
becoming a physician. For three years he studied at home, and 
then matriculated in the Richmond Medical College, at Rich- 
mond, Va., Avhere he remained one year; but as the time for the 
completion of his course approached, he reflected on the matter 
and decided to adopt the profession of pharmacy. 

Returning to his home in the country, in Wake County, he 
took up his studies, and, without the assistance of a teacher, he 
so far mastered the science as to pass his examination before the 
State Board of Pharmacy, receiving his diploma in 1889. Being 
then well equipped for a business career by the practice of his 
chosen profession, at the age of tAventy-two he opened a drug 
store at the southeast corner of Wilmington and Hargett streets 
in Raleigh. It goes without saying that the business was suc- 
cessful from the start. 

Merit cannot, as a rule, be concealed under an outward garb 
of modesty and unpretension ; so it is not surprising that people 
soon found out that Mr. King was capable, careful, painstaking, 
reliable and obliging ; moreover, that he was a gentleman of such 
pleasing personality that it Avas a pleasure to do business A\dth 
him. So it came to pass that in the course of a feAV years Mr. 
King built up a trade that Avas out of all proportion to the store 
in which his talents and his activities Avere exercised. 

It is said that you cannot hold a Avorking man doAvn, Avhich is 
doubtless true. It is equally apparent that you cannot keep an 
actiA'B man of business from expanding. This Avas exemplified 
in the case of Mr. King, who, Avhen the Masonic Temple was 
completed, leased its most desirable storeroom and opened a drug 
store that Avas one of the most elegantly furnished and the most 
discriminatingly stocked of any in the capital city. From that 



206 HISTORICAL RALEIGH 

time lie conducted business in two stores successfully until he 
had an advantageous offer to sell the Masonic Temple store, and 
accepted it. A short time thereafter he built and opened a drug 
store in Glenwood, within the city limits, on the corner of Peace 
Street and Glenwood Avenue. The new store, which has been 
open but a short time, has proved very popular, and the business 
has been all that could be desired. The appreciative people of 
Glenwood and Brooklyn have given it a generous patronage. 
With his two stores — one in the heart of the business section, and 
the other in one of the most popular suburban districts — Mr. 
King finds his time and talents well occupied, and has the satis- 
faction of seeing his business enjoying a high state of prosperity. 

While deeply interested, as all good citizens should be, in the 
public Avelfare, Mr. King has never been a politician nor an 
office seeker. He has needed neither the salary attached to a 
public office nor the "pull" that public position affords to those 
who have the inclination and the opportunity to profit by it ; but 
his fellow-citizens would not allow his talents for public service 
to remain unemployed. Thus it was that in 1911 he Avas called 
to the office of jDolice commissioner of the City of Raleigh, to- 
gether wdth Messrs. James A. Briggs and Lynn Wilder. In the 
municipal election he received every vote cast, leading his high- 
est associate on the ticket by 232 votes. His services on the 
board were valuable, and he shared with the other members of 
the Police Commission in the arduous duties that resulted in 
promoting the character and efficiency of the guardians of the 
public peace and safety. 

Mr. King now occupies the distinguished position of Commis- 
sioner of Public Safety of Kaleigh, an office created by the Gen- 
eral Assembly of 1913, under the Commission Form of Govern- 
ment act, and, though he has been in office for a brief period, has 
shown by his official conduct that the people of the capital city 
made no mistake in electing him to this high office. 

In the best sense of the word, Mr. King is a progressive citi- 
zen. In every movement for promoting the welfare of the peo- 
ple, intellectually, morally or materially, he is a leader among his 
fellow-citizens. He is a diligent reader of current literature and 
is well informed in regard to public matters, and, this being well 



BIOGRAPHICAL 



207 



known, his opinions are sought for and his judgment respected. 
He is affable, courteous, easy of approach, kind, generous and, 
aboA^e all, gentlemanly. 

Besides the numerous other ways in which he has shown his 
interest in the welfare of his fellow-man, Mr. King has mani- 
fested the fraternal spirit by becoming a member of those benevo- 
lent and beneficent orders — Masons, Odd Fellows and Knights 
of Pythias, in all of which he takes an active part and has 
enjoyed the honors which they bestow on worthy members. In 
politics he is, and always has been, a Democrat. 

The domestic life of Mr. King is ideal. In 1885 he Avon the 
heart and hand of Miss Amanda Emaline, daughter of Mr. M. Y. 
and Amanda (Wilson) Chappell. Mrs. King, like her husband, 
was reared in the country, her father being a well-known citizen 
and substantial farmer of Granville County. Mr. and Mrs. King 
have one child. Vera Myrtle. They have a beautiful home, re- 
cently built, in Glenwood. 

MILLARD MIAL 
Clerk Wake Superior Court 




The subject of this sketch 
is a descendant of the prom- 
inently known Mial family, 
of Wake ; his ancestors, both 
paternally and maternally, 
having been identified with 
the oldest families of the 
county from its earliest his- 
tory. He is the son of 
Alonzo T. Mial, who, in his 
day, was an extensive and 
prosperous planter, a man 
of much prominence and in- 
iuence, and who took a deep 

interest in political affairs, and, indeed, in all that concerned the 

highest welfare of the people of his county. 



208 



HISTORICAL RALEIGH 



Maternally, Mr. Mial is a descendant of the Lemay family, of 
Wake, his mother having been the daughter of Thomas J. 
Lemay, who for a quarter of a century before the Civil War was 
the editor and publisher of The Raleigh Star and NoHh Caro- 
lina Gazette, one of the leading Whig papers of the State. 

Millard Mial was born in Mark's Creek Township, Febniary 
2, 1852, and is the eldest of four sons. His brother. Dr. L. 
Lemay Mial, is prominently engaged in the practice of his pro- 
fession in New York ; his brother, A. Thomas Mial, is a resident 
of Raleigh; W. S. Mial has been a resident of Texas for many 
years. Mr. Mial is a brother of Mrs. B. P. Williamson, of 
Raleigh, and Mrs. T. W. Dewey, of Goldsboro. 

Mr. Mial has often been honored by the people of Wake — a 
fitting recognition of the esteem in which he is universally held, 
and of the interest he has always taken in affairs of public con- 
cern. This was manifested in 1891, when he was elected Regis- 
ter of Deeds; in 1900, when he was elected a county commis- 
sioner; in 1906, when he was chosen a member of the House of 
Representatives; and still further, in 1910, by his election to the 
highly responsible office of Clerk of Wake Superior Court, which 
office he now holds, filling the same with much credit to himself 
and to a wide constituency. His victory in the contest for the 
last-mentioned office was signal, his competitor, W. M. Russ, 
having been universally regarded as the most formidable foe 
ever encountered for this office in Wake. 

Throughout his career, both public and private, Mr. Mial has 
ever maintained an honorable standard. In the discharge of his 
official duties he is faithful, exact and systematic, and no blot or 
act of impropriety is to be found on his record. 

Mr. Mial is numbered among the most intelligent, advanced 
and prosperous agriculturists of the county, and is always inter- 
ested in everything affecting the interest of the tillers of the soil. 

Mr. Mial is identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
South, and is an affiliated I. O. O. F., being a member of Seaton 
Gales Lodge, No. 64. He is unmarried. 



BIOGRAPHICAL 209 

ALFRED AUGUSTUS THOMPSON 

Forty-two years ago there came to the capital city of North 
Carolina a Chatham County young man Avho rejoiced in the 
name of Alfred Augustus Thompson. Hoav long before that he 
became a citizen of Chatham this deponent knoweth not, but 
there is authentic infoiination that he was born near Pittsboro 
some years prior to the time he came to Raleigh. His father 
was George W., and his mother, Cornelia E. (Marsh) Thomp- 
son, who lived at Asheboro prior to her marriage. 

Mr. Thompson was fortunate in the choice of a place to begin 
life, for among all the counties that claim honor for the great 
and good men born in them, Chatham is near the head of the list. 
And, too, it was the good fortune of the subject of this sketch to 
have been born on a farm and to have spent his early days amid 
field and forest, a country beautiful for situation and famous for 
rabbits. 

Upon information and belief, it is alleged that Mr. Thompson 
went to school when he was young, for he learned "to write a 
fairly good hand and became acquainted sufficiently with arith- 
metic and other things to win his way in business and come out 
on top in the struggle for existence and success in material 
matters. 

Cotton has been Mr. Thompson's affinity ever since he has 
lived in Raleigh. In this line of enterprise he has gone from one 
position of trust and responsibility to another, until he has be- 
come the president of two mills, viz., the Raleigh and the Cara- 
leigh cotton mills. He has not neglected other branches of busi- 
ness, as witness the fact that he is vice-president of the Commer- 
cial JSTational Bank, and is otherwise identified with the indus- 
trial life of the capital city. 

Mr. Thompson has been prominent in the civil life of Raleigh. 
He was mayor when the office of presiding genius of the City of 
Oaks was combined with that of judge and jury of the municipal 
court. In the latter capacity Mayor Thompson held the scales 
of justice so evenly that all alleged offenders against the law got 
a square deal, whether that was what they wanted or not. More- 
14 



210 



HISTORICAL RALEIGH 



over, the mayor was such an apt scholar that he acquired the 
gift of public speaking from the lawyers who practised before 
him, and it is truth to say that among the public men of Raleigh 
there are few more effective than he in extemporaneous speaking 
on any matter of interest to the welfare of the community. 

In religious matters Mr. Thompson is actively identified with 
the First Presbyterian Church, of Ealeigh, of which he is a dea- 
con. He has an interesting family, and is at home to his friends 
at his beautiful residence in ISTew Bern Avenue. 



CHARLES FREDERICK COX 

The subject of this sketch, 
manager of Masters &Agee's 
clothing establishment, is a 
native of Kansas, born at 
Cedarville, February 12, 
1884. Before coming to 
Raleigh he resided for a 
number of years in New 
York and Boston, obtaining 
his education in the latter 
city, where he also received 
the business training which 
has so admirably fitted him 
for the active i)ursuit of his chosen vocation as a clothing mer- 
chant, and in which he has met with success. 

On December 21, 1909, Mr. Cox was happily united in mar- 
riage to Miss Clara Imogine, the intelligent and attractive 
daughter of Franklin Moreau and Dora (Andrews) Masters, of 
Alabama. Their union has been blessed with a beautiful daugh- 
ter — Dora Imogine. 

Mr. Cox is a quiet and unassuming gentleman, of affable man- 
ners, and has made many friends in the capital city, where he is 
popular and held in high esteem. 

He is identified with Edenton Street M. E. Church, and is 
prominent in the fraternal order 1. O. O. F., holding member- 
ship in Seaton Gales Lodge, 'No. 64. 




HISTORICAL SKETCHES 



OF 



APEX, CARDENAS, GARY, GARNER, FUQUAY 

SPRINGS, HOLLY SPRINGS, MORRISVILLE 

WAKEFIELD, WAKE FOREST 

WENDELL, ZEBULON 



WITH 



BRIEF BIOGRAPHIES OF THEIR PROMINENT AND 
INFLUENTIAL CITIZENS 



212 



IKE'S BARGAIN HOUSE 
Clothing and Shoes 

229 and 231 Wilmington Street 
I. SELIGSON, Proprietor RALEIGH, N. C. 



My stock comprises an exhibit embodying clever concep- 
tions of good tastes and combining all the new style features 
of the season. 



D. T. MOORE & SON 

116 EAST HARGETT STREET 
DEALERS IN 

TALLOW, BEESWAX, FEATHERS, WOOL, SCRAP 

IRON, METALS, RUBBER, BONES, ETC. 

Large or Small Quantities 



HIDES AND FURS A SPECIALTY 



HISTORICAL 213 

APEX. 



The town of Apex had its beginning with the close of the 
Civil War. Among its first settlers were J. McC. Ellinglon, 
H. C. Olive, Q. I. Hudson, W. F. Utley, W. H. Harward, Brink- 
ley Olive, A. W. Betts and others, who contributed to its life in 
the beginning and afterwards. It was incorporated by the Legis- 
lature of 1871-72, with the late Hon. H. C. Olive as its first 
mayor. It derived its name from being the highest point on the 
survey of the Raleigh & Augusta Air Line Railroad. 

Until 1905 it was but a small town, where the standard of 
virtue, intelligence and patriotism was high, but where little 
progress in material things had been made. In that year, begin- 
ning with the organization of a bank and the establishment of a 
tobacco market, began a new life for the town and surrounding 
community. Fire later destroying a number of unsightly frame 
buildings, the first brick structure was soon erected. Again, in 
June, 1911, nearly all the remaining old frame buildings in the 
business section were also consumed by fire. JSTow the principal 
street of the town (Salem) is lined with handsome pressed-brick- 
f ront stores. Business houses have continued to increase in num- 
ber, until now nearly everything to complete a small city is here 
represented. This metropolis of western Wake is one of the 
busiest, most attractive and substantially built towns of its size 
in i^orth Carolina. Its streets are well laid out and splendidly 
shaded in the residential sections, while the business part of the 
town is marked with buildings of beautiful architectural designs 
and substantial construction. 

Apex has a population of about one thousand, and, being 
located in the centre of one of the best agricultural sections of 
the State, has a large rural territory from which to draw life and 
sustenance. It is in the limited "Old Belt" tobacco lands of 
N^orth Carolina and Virginia, which produce the finest yellow- 
wrapper tobacco. The tobacco market at Apex is one of its chief 
industries. It is equipped with two splendid warehouses, three 
large prizehouses, markets about two million pounds of tobacco 



214 APEX 

annually, and enjoys the distinction of making the highest aver- 
age price per pound of any market in the State. It is the centre 
of a fine cotton-producing section, the receipts of this staple 
being from three to five thousand bales of cotton per year. 

Apex has splendid railroad facilities, being located on the 
main line of the great Seaboard Air Line Railway system and on 
the Durham & Southern Railway, the latter being the finest 
independent railway property in the State. It is also on the line 
of the Yadkin River Power Company, from which presently 
will come light and power to light the town and provide electri- 
cal power for the manufacturing plants which are certain to 
come. 

Apex is a community which may well be proud of its intel- 
lectual and moral status. 

Public education in Wake County has always found some of 
its most potent advocates and influences at Apex. Notable among 
those who have wielded an influence throughout the county in 
this respect are the late Hon. H. C. Olive, State Senator and for 
many years chairman of the Wake County Board of Education ; 
Hon. L. J, Sears, at present, and for many years past, chairman 
of the same board, and Hon. Percy J. Olive, an ex-representa- 
tive and a public man, who has taken especial interest in the 
schools. That these gentlemen are and were but the exponents 
of the sentiment around them is witnessed by the fact that Apex 
has one of the finest and best-equipped schools in the county, and 
that every school district in White Oak Township levies a local 
tax to supplement the general educational fund. 

Civic progressiveness is evidenced by a handsome municipal 
building, just erected, and paved streets — the result of a bond 
issue voted by the peo])le. 

The religious and moral status of the town is indicated by the 
splendid new Baptist Church just being completed, at a cost of 
between twelve and fifteen thousand dollars. The Methodists 
and the Presbyterians each have imi)osing and commodious edi- 
fices. Several fraternal orders liave lodges here, Avhich find 
enthusiastic support. 

The financial backing of Ajx'x and eonimunity is most ample; 



HISTORICAL 215 

there are two banks and an incorporated insurance and real- 
estate agency. 

As a trading mart and mercantile centre the town has grown 
to city proportions within the past few years. Every line is rep- 
resented. Its stores, in their handsome buildings, beautiful fix- 
tures and up-to-date stocks, would do credit to any city in the 
State. Here, as elsewhere, the day of the general store is pass- 
ing, and the store with the special line is taking its plac^. 

Few communities in the State have had more additions to 
their population within the past five years than has that of 
Avhich Apex is the centre. Those seeking desirable homes have 
found here a happy combination of advantages — fine lands, in- 
telligent, virtuous and hospitable neighbors, good markets, good 
roads, good schools and good churches. ]^o fictitious values have 
been placed upon the lands ; for, with the true idea of progress, 
the efforts of those who have done most for the community's up- 
building have been directed to keeping the real estate at its true 
value. Contributing mostly to this and at present forming the 
most valuable of its citizenship, without disparagement to others, 
may be mentioned Messrs. "W. F. Utley, W. H. Harward, A. B. 
Hunter, L. S. Olive, Percy J. Olive, Dr. W. Wade Olive, S. W. 
Stone, J. B. Mason, J. W. Lassiter, W. B. Upehurch, J. H. 
Sears, A. V. Baucom, A. C. Hughes, C. P. Sellars, W. B. John- 
son, A. D. Upehurch, Samuel Watkins, Jr., A. T. Seymour, C. R. 
Weaver, S. T. Bennett, B. H. Pate, J. E. Cunningham, S. V. 
Hudson, S. S. Rogers, J. R. JSTorris, G. C. I*^orris, R. J. Boiling, 
Dr. R. W. Stephens, Dr. R. W. Johnson, Dr. C. B. Wilkerson, 
J. F. Mills, S. A. Branch, W. H. F. Branch, L. J. Sears, M. G. 
Upehurch, G. E. Upehurch, H. B. Harward, J. R. Harward, 
R. L. Bagley. J. C. Burns, Q. I. Hudson and others. 



216 



BIOGRAPHICAL 



WILLIAM FRANCIS UTLEY, Sr. 




The honorable titles of 
banker, merchant and farm- 
er constitute the triple link 
that connects the name of 
William Francis Utley with 
the varied interests of 
southwestern Wake County. 
For many years the subject 
of this sketch has been act- 
ively identified with almost 
every worthy enterprise of 
the community in Avhich he 
lives, and has contributed 
his full share to the indus- 
trial, intellectual and moral uplift of the people among whom his 
lot has been cast. 

The history of the Utley family in Wake County dates back 
a century and a half, the progenitor thereof having come from 
Connecticut in 1760 and settled ten miles southwest of Raleigh. 
Here, then, has remained the ancestral home of the family, and 
in the region roundabout have sprung up and flourished numer- 
ous descendants, who have borne the name honorably through 
several generations, many of them enjoying in a marked degree 
the esteem and confidence of their neighbors and that larger con- 
stituency, the citizenship of the county. 

About the time the first Utley came to Wake County, James 
Speight settled some two miles nearer Raleigh, having come 
from Virginia. In the movement across the border came the 
brothers of James S]ieiglit and settled on Roanoke River. It was 
a daugliter of a lat(M- James Speight, Eliza, who became the 
Avifo of (i^uintoii rilcy iind tlie mother of William Francis Utley, 



BIOGRAPHICAL 217 

the subject of this sketch. The mother of Eliza Speight was 
Polly Atkins, half-sister of Gen. Joseph Lane, of Oregon, who 
was at one time Governor of that State, and in 1860 candidate 
on the Breckenridge and Lane ticket for the vice-presidency. 

The subject of this sketch was born near Holly Springs, July 
9, 1844. His father was a farmer and merchant, so he inherited 
a love for the soil and a taste for trade, and imbibed in his youth 
those habits and principles that formed the sure foundation upon 
which he has builded his success in life. Mr. Utley grew up 
amid rural surroundings, for which he formed such a strong 
attachment that city life was never able to charm him away 
from them. He obtained a high-school education at Holly 
Springs and Raleigh, and was just coming to the point where 
he could look out on dawning manhood when the cloud of war 
darkened our Southland and the call to arms changed his life 
plans for the next four years. 

Mr. Utley saw honorable service in the War Between the 
States. His military career began as orderly sergeant, Com- 
pany D of the famous Twenty-sixth North Carolina Regiment. 
Company D was organized at Holly Springs, May 14, 1861, and 
was known as Capt. Oscar Rand's company. Mr. LTtley was in 
the battle of Gettysburg, was wounded the third day, taken 
prisoner and confined at Davis Island, IST. Y., until he was 
paroled and exchanged, when he returned to the front. He was 
wounded at the battle of the Wilderness. At Reams Station, 
August 24, 1864, he was again wounded, losing his right leg 
below the knee. With one leg missing, his career as a soldier 
was ended. At the close of the war he was without means, but 
not without resources. He proceeded forthwith to break the 
local tradition that a one-legged man could not be anything but 
a cobbler ; and now, while advanced in years, he is hale and 
hearty, and is one of the best examples of what can be accom- 
plished by energy, industry and thrift. 

In 1870 Mr. Utley engaged in the lumber business at Apex, 
and three years later went into merchandise, which he prose- 
cuted successfully for thirty years. Since 1905 he has been 
engaged in farming and banking. He assisted in organizing the 



218 APEX 

Merchants and Farmers Bank of Apex, and was its vice-presi- 
dent ; also the Peoples Bank of Apex, and was its president. He 
was interested in the Banking, Loan & Trust Company of San- 
ford, of which he was vice-president, and in the Merchants 
ISTational Bank of Raleigh, of which he has been second vice- 
president since its organization. Recently he has disposed of his 
interest in the Merchants and Farmers Bank of Apex, and also 
.in the Sanford bank. He is a director of the Golden Leaf Ware- 
house and the Consolidated Tobacco Company, both of Apex. 

Mr. Utley has served his people in a public capacity. For two 
years, beginning December, 1904, he was county commissioner, 
serving on what was known as the Adams board. Under Cleve- 
land's first administration he served four years as postmaster at 
Apex. He has also filled the office of justice of the peace. In 
view of the foregoing, it is almost superfluous to say that Mr. 
Utley is a Democrat of very pronounced type. 

In his church relations Mr. Utley is a Baptist, and as such he 
is active in the religious work of his community. That he be- 
lieves in triple links is evidenced by the fact that he is a member 
of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is fond of read- 
ing, and he has been fortunate in choosing his subjects, his 
favorite books being the Bible, Shakespeare and history. He has 
clear and positive views in regard to the public affairs of the 
county. A matter in which he is very much interested is the 
equalization of taxes and the economical expenditure of the 
public funds by capable officers. 

When quite a young man Mr. Utley married Miss Bettie 
Gibbons, daughter of Rev. Henry Hardy Gibbons (of the M. E. 
Church, South) and Elizabeth (Hardy) Gibbons. Of the chil- 
dren born to this union the following are living: Dr. Harry 
Gibbons Utley, William F. Utley, Jr., Lottie E. (wife of B. H. 
Parker, Gastonia, N. C), Elizabeth H. (wife of A. J. Fletcher, 
Washington, D. C). 

Delightfully situated at a convenient distance from the busi- 
ness centre of Apex, where town shades into country, Mr. Utley 
has a large and comfortable house, combining in its arrangement 
and furnishings the best features of urban and rural life. Here 



BIOGRAPHICAL 



219 



he and his most excellent wife dwell quietly and dispense true 
Southern hospitality in a way that warms the heart of every 
one wdio comes under their hospitable roof. 

LONNIE JEFFERSON SEARS 




The educational interests 
of Wake County have no 
Avarmer supporter or more 
constant friend than the 
subject of this sketch, who 
has proved his title to the 
warm regard of both teach- 
ers and pupils of the public 
schools. 

Lonnie Jefferson Sears is 
a native of Wake County, 
born near Apex, December 
4, 1875. The Sears family, 
from which he is descended, 
has been prominent in the affairs of Wake and Chatham coun- 
ties for several generations. The progenitor of the family came 
from Virginia to North Carolina in colonial times and settled 
in Chatham County. At a later period a less remote ancestor of 
Mr. Sears moved into Wake and became a citizen of White Oak 
Township, where he and his descendants have ranked among the 
most prominent and substantial men of their community. 

The education of Lonnie Sears was obtained in the public 
schools of Wake and the Chatham High School. Although not 
enjoying the privilege of a course in college, he has improved his 
opportunities until he has become a man of well-rounded culture, 
possessed of a valuable fund of information upon subjects within 
the range of things that go to make up an education. With 
native intelligence of a high order, combined with industry and 
strict integrity, he has steadily developed his higher faculties 
until he ranks with the leading citizens and prominent business 
men of Apex, and, indeed, of the entire county of Wake. 



220 APEX 

The business energies of Mr. Sears for the past two years have 
been devoted to real estate and insurance, in Avhich he has 
achieved a notable success, making himself an important factor 
in developing the material interests of the community in which 
he lives. For a year and a half before engaging in his present 
vocation he was assistant cashier of the Merchants and Farmers 
Bank of Apex. In this sphere of activity he exhibited financial 
ability worthy of many who have had much larger experience 
in the banking business, and at the same time won the confidence 
and esteem of all who had the pleasure of business relations with 
him as patrons of the bank. 

While Mr. Sears has achieved success of which anyone in his 
circumstances might well feel proud, it is as a leader of the 
public educational interests of his county that his talents have 
shone resplendent. His heart is in his work, and he gives it the 
serious attention of one who thoroughly believes that the future 
welfare of the commonwealth depends upon the teaching and 
training the children receive in the public schools. For several 
years he has had the distinction of serving his fellow-citizens in 
the capacity of chairman of the county board of education, in 
which position he has displayed conspicuous devotion to the 
moral and intellectual uplift of the boys and girls of the county. 

Deeply interested as he is in whatever affects the real welfare 
of his people, Mr. Sears considers that among the important 
matters to which the citizens of Wake County and the State 
should give earnest consideration are the improvement of the 
public-school system, the construction of good roads, better 
methods of farming, and extension of the rural telephone service. 

On December 27, 1899, Mr. Sears was happily united in mar- 
riage to Miss Mattie L., daughter of Joseph H. and Mary Mills, 
of Wake. To this union there have be<ni born five children — 
Overton, Alton, Bruce, Mary Lee, and Edith Eoyster Sears. 

Mr. Sears is prominent in fraternal orders, being a member 
of the Masons, Odd Fellows, and Junior Order American Me- 
chanics. He is identified with the Baptist Church and is active 
in promoting the. religious work of his denomination. 



BIOGRAPHICAL 221 

CARDENAS 



Cardenas is a beautiful village, situated in Middle Creek 
Township, about eighteen miles southwest of Raleigh, on the 
Raleigh, Charlotte & Southern Railway, and noted for its beau- 
tiful homes and hospitable people. 

It is in the midst of the best farming section of the county, 
and its people are among the most intelligent, prosperous and 
progressive to be found anywhere in the State. Here are the 
homes of the Johnsons, Atkinsons, Judds, and others, whose 
industry, exalted citizenship and high personal character have 
proven potent factors in the development of all that makes for 
the highest welfare of a community. 



BIOGRAPHICAL 



KEMP BETHEA JOHNSON 

First, last and all the time a lumberman. This tells the story 
in a general way of the life work of Kemp Bethea Johnson, who 
is one of the best-known citizens of Wake County, and whose 
local habitation is Cardenas. Having keenness of discernment 
to find in the pine forests of southern Wake an opportunity for 
industry and a source of wealth, he chose, while but a youth, 
to remain and grow up with the country, and the sequel shows 
that the country grcAV and he grew with it. 

The name of Johnson was an honorable one in England, and 
in America has been made illustrious. For instance, a President 
of the United States, born in Raleigh, has given celebrity to the 
name, and with it has filled and adorned a niche in the temple 
of fame. 

It is not known at what time the branch of the family to 
which Kemp B. Johnson belongs came to North Carolina, but it 
is believed that -his ancestors were settled in this region in the 
colonial period. Several generations of them have lived and 



222 



CARDENAS 



flourished in Harnett County, gaining their livelihood by the 
arts of agriculture and enjoying to a marked degree the esteem 
and confidence of their neighbors and countrymen. 

Kemp B. Johnson has al- 
ways lived within a few 
miles of the place of his 
birth. It was on the 17th 
of July, 1863, that he first 
saw the light of day, on his 
father's farm, near Carde- 
nas. His parents were John 
Lewis and Mary Jane 
(Jones) Johnson. John L. 
Johnson was a merchant 
and farmer, successful and 
]irosperous i^ both occupa- 
tions, who was bom and 
reared in Hai-nett County, 
but early in life cast in his 
lot with the people of "Wake. 
In the years following the War Between the States public 
education was at a very low ebb, but here and there in the coun- 
try were private schools, taught by men of learning and ability. 
Young Kemp Johnson obtained his education in two such 
schools — one at Holly Springs, the other at Apex — and improved 
his opportunities so well that he laid the foundation of a suc- 
cessful career as a man of business. 

In 1886 Mr. Johnson engaged in the manufacture of lumber 
at Cardenas, and has continued in the same occupation to the 
present time. While his lumbering operations have been exten- 
sive in the southern part of A\'^ake, Johnson and Harnett coun- 
ties, Cardenas has remained the head and centre of his bxisiness 
activities. The lumber industry is important at a number of 
points in the county, but the business that Mr. Johnson has built 
up easily rivals the largest, and in southern Wake it holds un- 
disputed pre-eminence. There is a proverb that it is easy to 




BIOGRAPHICAL 223 

make a sawmill pay on paper, but Kemp B. Johnson has proved 
that it is profitable in a more substantial way; however, that is 
another case of the man behind the gun. 

With his lumber business well established and constantly in- 
creasing, Mr. Johnson has found time to devote to other lines of 
industrial and commercial enterprises, in which his neighboring 
town of Fuquay Springs has been a beneficiary to no small ex- 
tent. He was one of the leading promoters of the Bank of 
Fuquay, and since its establishment has been its president con- 
tinuously. He took a leading part in forming and financing the 
Euquay Tobacco Warehouse Company and the Farmers Ware- 
house Company, of Fuquay Springs, and has in this way and 
others contributed to the remarkable success that Fuquay 
Springs has achieved as a leaf-tobacco market. He was actively 
interested in promoting and building the Raleigh & Southport 
Railroad, which has contributed more than any other agency to 
the development of the southern part of Wake County and has 
made possible the existence of half a dozen flourishing villages 
and towns. In everything he has manifested a fine type of pub- 
lic spirit and has shown himself worthy of the esteem of his 
fellow-countrymen, which he enjoys without stint or measure. 

Mr. Johnson regularly votes the Democratic ticket and gives 
his party his best service without reward or hope of reward. He 
has no political ambitions, but he has served on the Democratic 
State Committee. His views in regard to public matters are 
progressive and in line with the best thought of the twentieth 
century. Like most intelligent men, he sees the necessity for 
good public roads, and he is mlling to go as far as anybody to 
supply the need. His solution of the problem is to issue bonds 
and build permanent roads. He holds that the prohibition laws 
should be enforced, and is in favor of swift and sure justice to 
violators of the criminal laws. He is an advocate of the best 
schools that can be provided, with the best teachers that can be 
secured, and with a term long enough to give every boy and girl 
an opportunity to obtain an elementary education. 

One of the busiest men in Wake County, Mr. Johnson finds 
but little time -for reading, but he holds to the old-fashioned 



224 



CARY 



practise of reading the Book of Books. He is a member of the 
Christian Church, is active in all its work and prominent in its 
councils. 

One of the largest and most elegant homes in IN'orth Carolina 
is that of Mr. Johnson at Cardenas. Installed in it as mistress 
is his wife, who was Miss Mary Alice Utley, daughter of Mr, 
M. C. and Mrs. Emeline Utley. Here the most gracious hos- 
pitality is dispensed most bountifully. Five children bless this 
lovely home ; they are Ruth, Harold W., Brantley Baird, Marvin 
M., and A. Burnette. 



CARY 

Cary is one of the first towns in Wake County, situated eight 
miles west of Raleigh, on the Seaboard and Southern railroads, 
and having a population of about eight hundred. Its origin as 
a town dates from the construction of the Raleigh & Augusta 
Railroad, shortly after the Civil War, although it had been a 
station on the ]^orth Carolina Railroad many years before. 
The development of the town is due largely to the late A. F. 
Page, who in his day was one of the county's most progressive 
citizens. It is noted for its superior educational advantages, as 
found in the Cary High School, the principal of which is Mr. 
Marcus B. Dry. 

Prominent among its leading citizens and business men are 
Messrs. P. R. and P. D. Gray, Dr. J. M. Templeton and sons, 
(J. M., Jr., and A. J.); W. H. Grimes, K R. Waldo, Percy 
Waldo, J.C.Walker, C. R. Scott, J. J. Edwards, J. C.Matthews, 
W. G. Crowder, M. T. Jones, Jacob Walker, A. S. Johnson, 
R. J. Harrison and others. In this town Walter H. Page, now 
Ambassador to Great Britain, was born. Within three miles of 
Cary, Rev. Len G. Broughton, D.D., first saw the light. 



BIOGRAPHICAL 



225 



BIOGRAPHICAL 



MARCUS BAXTER DRY 

Teachers who love their 
profession and tie up to it 
for a lifetime occupation; 
teachers who regard teach- 
ing as something worth 
while and do not look upon 
it as a convenience to tide 
them over until they can 
prepare for some other call- 
ing — these are the life, the 
strength and the inspiration 
of education in the present 
and the hope for the future. 
It is in this honorable and 
worthy class that one takes 
pleasure in enrolling the 
name of Marcus Baxter 
Dry, principal of Cary High School, in Wake County. 

The subject of this sketch is of Teutonic descent. A long 
time before the Revolutionary War, representatives of the family 
came from Germany and tarried for a while in Philadelphia. 
Later they sought a more genial clime in the South, and found 
what they were looking for in North Carolina. They settled in 
that part of the State now embraced within the limits of Cabar- 
rus County, where they engaged in the cultivation of the soil. 
Toiling industriously and living frugally, making no pretensions 
of superiority nor seeking honors at the hands of their fellow- 
countrymen, the Drys, through all the generations, have been 
content to be known as plain people, honest, law-abiding and 
God-fearing. As such they have won the esteem and com- 
manded the confidence and respect of the people among whom 
they have lived. 

Descended from such ancestry, Marcus B. Dry was endowed 
15 




226 GARY 

by nature with those sturdy qualities that make men — solid, sub- 
stantial men — men who are willing to work and who love to 
serve, who reap their reward in the welfare of those upon whom 
their labors are bestowed. 

On the 23d of October, 1871, Marcvis Baxter Dry Avas born. 
His parents were Henry and Jane Alice (Parker) Dry. His 
birthplace was his father's farm in Union County. Here he 
learned to wield the ax and mattock, to guide the plow, to run 
the engine and operate a sawmill — occupations that are calcu- 
lated to make a man when they are practiced by a boy who has 
the "makings of a man" in him. Obeying the instinct of his 
early colonial ancestors, Henry Dry has since removed to Texas. 
During the War Between the States, Henry Dry and his father 
served in the ranks of the Confederate army. 

When Marcus Dry was old enough to go to school he attended 
Union Institute, in Union County, where he distinguished him- 
self as a hard-working student and an earnest seeker after 
knowledge. He went to Wake Forest College, from which he 
graduated in 1896, subsequently receiving the degree of Master 
of Arts. He had the distinguished honor to be valedictorian of 
his class. During his senior year he was associate editor of The 
Wal-e Forest Student. His further preparation for professional 
work was attendance upon two summer sessions of Teachers' 
College, Columbia University, New York. 

The year he graduated from Wake Forest Colleg(\ Professor 
Dry was elected principal of Wingate High School, in his native 
county. The school had just been established; so the task before 
the young educator was to prove his efficiency and his capacity 
for a serious work by building up an iustittition of learning. 
How w^ell he succeeded may be judged from the fact that the 
attendance at Wingate grew from a small local patronage to an 
enrollment of three hundred pupils, one-third of Avhom were 
hoarding students. A community grew up around the school, 
taking on the proportions of a village of something like half a 
thousand population, with substantial business houses and homes 
of hospitality, culture and refinemeiit. The school made the 
town. ]*rofessor Dry remained at Wingate twelve years, and 
was then called to the ])osition he noAV occupies. 



BIOGRAPHICAL 227 

In 1908, upon the retirement of Prof. E. L. Middleton to 
engage in other work, Professor Dry was elected principal of 
Gary High School. His success in this work has fully justified 
expectations that were inspired by the results of his labors at 
Wingate. Under his management Gary High School has risen 
to the place of pre-eminence among State high schools, its en- 
rollment of high-school pupils being larger than that of any 
similar institution in North Garolina. During the session of 
1912-'13 the total enrollment was 325 ; of these, 125 were high- 
school pupils and 100 were boarders from fifteen counties, but 
for the greater part they were Wake Gounty boys and girls. The 
patronage of the school has entirely outgrown its facilities. 
Plans are now in contemplation for the erection of a brick build- 
ing, at a cost of $25,000, and the enlargement of the two dormi- 
tories for boys and girls, respectively. The devotion of Pro- 
fessor Dry to this work is shown by the fact that recently he 
declined an attractive offer at larger salary to go to another 
school, but he preferred to remain at Gary, since, he avers, he 
sees many signs of progress in Wake Gounty, and, besides, he 
admires the people. It goes without saying that Wake people 
admire and appreciate him. 

Professor Dry has an interesting family of three children. 
They are Helen, aged seven ; Willie, aged four ; Hallie, aged 
two. His wife was Miss Wilma Perry, of Wingate, daughter 
of W. M. and Mattie Perry. He is a member of the Missionary 
Baptist Ghurcli, in which he is an active worker, being also an 
earnest and enthusiastic Sunday-school man. 

An educator must be a reader. Professor Dr^' reads health 
and educational literature with intelligent interest, and puts into 
practice the practical things in his reading. For instance, he 
encourages the sons of farmers to stay on the farms and to join 
boys' corn clubs. The girls he urges to join tomato clubs. Then, 
as an evidence of good fnith and genuine interest in these mat- 
ters, he offers prizes to the boy and girl students, respectively, 
winning first place in the contests. 

He teaches by precept and example the value of fresh air, pure 
water, wholesome food, sanitation and honest toil in the making 
of men and women. In addition to the lines of reading men- 



228 GARY 

tioned, his regular practice is to read the daily papers and one 
or two magazines. He reads with discrimination well-selected 
books on various subjects fitted to broaden the mind and elevate 
the spiritual faculties. 

Among the greatest needs of Wake County, Professor Dry ob- 
serves, are good churches and Sunday schools, good roads and 
secular schools that touch the life of the people. Live questions 
that call for immediate attention and solution are the improve- 
ment of health conditions, the building of modern, permanent 
roads and the betterment of the situation of the people who live 
in the country. 

While not an author of books, Professor Dry has had quite 
extensive experience as a writer. Besides his work as student 
at college, he edited The Baptist Messenger, the organ of the 
Union Baptist Association, from 1905 to 1908, when his re- 
moval to Cary terminated his editorial relations. His interest 
in literature is attested by his membership in the State Literary 
and Historical Association. He is also a member of the Junior 
Order United American Mechanics and of the Patriotic Sons of 
America. His interest in the public welfare is indicated by his 
regularity in voting the Democratic ticket. 

ROBERT JOHNSON HARRISON 

Ingenious inventor and successful manufacturer, there is no 
man in Wake County who more richly deserves the esteem of his 
fellow-citizens than Robert Johnson Harrison, of Cary. The 
good name he has won, the industry he has built up, and the 
success he has achieved are the results of high living, well- 
directed effort and ceaseless energy. It is a matter for congratu- 
lation that all the good things that have come his way have been 
compelled by innate force of character, and have been Avon 
among people who have known him from his youth up. 

Robert J. Harrison was born five miles south of Cary, Jatuiary 
7, 1846. His father, John Harrison, a farmer, was born on the 
same place. The first American ancestor of the Harrison family 
emigrated from England in tlie early colonial period, settling in 



BIOGRAPHICAL 229 

Virginia, in Isle of Wight County. The grandfather of Robert 
Harrison fought gallantly in the Revolutionary struggle, and 
was held a prisoner of war by the British near Yorktown when 
Cornwallis surrendered. Later, in 1797, he came to Xorth Caro- 
lina, settling in Wake County, near Cary. The mother of the 
subject of this sketch was Rosa (Weatherspoon) Harrison, a 
woman of fine character and a most excellent housewife. 

The Harrisons have been famous in American history since 
the days of Tippecanoe. The grandfather of Robert J. Harrison 
was a cousin of William H. Harrison, President of the United 
States. It thus appears that the Wake County Harrisons are of 
illustrious lineage and blood connections, being related to two of 
the name who have filled the exalted position of chief executive 
of this great republic. 

Free schools in l^orth Carolina during the ante-bellum period 
were not examples of high scholarship or superior instruction; 
but, such as they were, they gave many a worthy boy all the 
preparation he had for a start in the world. Such were the 
facilities offered to young Robert Harrison for obtaining an 
education, and of these he gladly took advantage. In a log 
house with slab benches he formed an acquaintance with the 
three R's — friends who have served him a good turn all the year 
round, from his school days to the present time. The advan- 
tages of a college education were denied him by circumstances, 
but he has bravely overcome this handicap, and has made his 
mark in the world. 

The War Between the States coming on when Robert Harri- 
son was but a youth, he enlisted in 1864 and served to the close 
of the conflict. He saw service first in an independent company 
under Capt. Swift Galloway, of Greene County, IST. C. This 
company was at first an independent one, but was afterwards 
attached to the Sixty-eighth Regiment, whose principal head- 
quarters were at Salisbury. One of the companies was from 
Alabama. Mr. Harrison served as a non-commissioned officer in 
his company during the period of his enlistment. At the close 
of the war the company was disbanded at Greensboro, and Mr. 
Harrison walked home in the companionship of a staunch friend 



230 CARY 

and comrade, who is now Rev. Henry Xorris, of Holly Sprina:s. 
During liis fourteen months in the service Mr. Harrison had 
many thrilling experiences and narrow escapes, but had the good 
fortune to return to home and friends, ih sound health and with 
whole limbs. 

Before embarking in the manufacture of Avagons, Mr. Harri- 
son for some years gave exercise to his inventive faculties. 
Among other machines that he patented were a cotton press, a 
hay press, a steam washer, a domestic bleacher (the first one 
patented in the United States), and a burglar alarm. In 1882 
he invented and patented a cotton planter and cultivator, a 
machine that is well known throughout the country as the Har- 
rison Cultivaor and Sweep. The same year he thought out and 
made drawings of a wireless system of telegraphy, intending to 
have instruments made and patented, but he found that the cost 
of making the instruments would bo so great that he was forced 
reluctantly to abandon the invention. The lawyer who repre- 
sented him in Washington took the matter up with Patent Com- 
missioner Butterworth, who advised that the device was patent- 
able, and, moreover, that it was the first application for a patent 
for wireless telegraphy. While Mr. Harrison rejoices in the suc- 
cess that has attended the efforts of later inventors, it is a matter 
of regret with him that he could not iierfoet his own invention 
and give the world the benefit of this fwciitierli-ccntnrv wonder 
a decade before the century dawned. 

In 1877 Mr. Harrison began the manufacture of wagons at 
Cary, and has conducted the business successfully ever since. 
The public long ago learned that the name of "Harrison" on a 
wagon was a guaranty of quality ; so there has been no question 
of demand since the business was established, the only question 
being that of supply. Tlie Harrison wagons arc known far and 
near for good rniiiiiiig (pialities. carrying cai)acity and dura- 
bility. The reason is obvious — nothing but superior material 
goes into the construction of these vehicles, and, besides, the 
workmanship is the best, from first to last. 

The demand u))nii "Mr. Harrison for ])ublic service has been 
continuous ever since lie has been living in (^'ary; so, for thirty- 



HISTORICAL 231 

five years he has been mayor, alderman, and justice of the peace, 
by turns, and is still giA'ing his fellow-citizens the benefit of his 
long experience and mature judgment. Other ties that bind him 
to his fellows are membership in the Masonic fraternity, in the 
Patriotic Sons of America and in the Farmers' Union. He is 
an exemplary member of the Baptist Church. Politically, he 
believes he serves his country best by voting the Republican 
ticket. 

By reading well-selected literature relating to scientific and 
industrial matters, Mr. Harrison keeps well informed in regard 
to the progress of invention and manufacturing, and is con- 
tinually storing his mind with valuable information. 

One with the experience of Robert J. Harrison necessarily has 
views and opinions that are valuable to the public. Remember- 
ing his schools days, he is in favor of the best educational facili- 
ties the public schools can aftord, and, moreoA^er, he is an advo- 
cate of a law that Avill compel parents to send their children to 
school. Having in mind the best possible use of a wagon, he is 
an earnest supporter of the good-roads movement. As a good 
rule in life, he would suggest obedience to the laAvs of God, of the 
State, and of the ]N[ation. 

In his youth Robert J. Harrison was united in marriage to 
Miss Alice G. Hodge, daughter of Henderson and Frances 
Hodge. She has been c^ead some years. Of the four children 
born to this union, one son, Robert Clausen Harrison, is living. 



GARNER 



This thrifty little town lies on the Southern Railway, six 
miles east of Raleigh, and has a population of betAveen two and 
three hundred. The tOAvn has one bank, tAvo planing mills, three 
cotton-gins and several stores ; also three churches and good 
schools. 

The oldest inhabitant of the toAvn, Mr. J. T. Broughton, re- 
members the time Avhen he "dropped corn" Avhere the tOAvn is 



232 



GARNER 



now located. This was "before the war," when there was no 
railroad here. The owners of the lands throughout this region 
at that time were Col. Willis Whitaker, Maj. Nathaniel Rand, 
Samuel Whitaker, Hutch Adkinson, William Snelling, Nathaniel 
Rand, James Weathers, James Dupree, Jack Mitchiner, Allen 
Sturdivant, Louis Dupree, John Walton, and others too numer- 
ous to mention. They lived in the days when a man could buy 
a very good farm for a good saddle horse and a silver watch. 
Though these old inhabitants are dead and passed out of sight, 
yet their noble traits of character are living on in the people of 
Garner, their good names being yet cherished. 

These pioneers cut down the forests, and as soon as the soil 
became a little poor they had nothing to do but clear more land. 
Sixty years ago these lands could have been bought for from 
three to five dollars per acre. The prices range now anywhere 
from forty to one hundred dollars per acre. 

The town of Garner had its origin in the following manner : 
Just after the Civil War there lived here an old negro by the 
name of Henry Fort. He managed to buy about twenty-five or 
thirty acres of land alongside the railroad, Avhere the best resi- 
dential part of the town is now located, and put up a wood-shop. 
He was a fine carpenter, and built bureaus, wardrobes, and 
almost any piece of furniture the people wished. A little later, 
one Thomas Bingham made his appearance, and soon a post 
office was established, named Gamer. Why this name was 
adopted, no one, not even the oldest inhabitant of the town, has 
yet been able to learn. A little later came Thomas Bennett, who 
set up a little grocery store, followed soon by the Spence brothers 
and Carter brothers, all engaging in the grocery business. They 
were all fine business men, one of whom is now conducting a 
thriving business in Clayton ; another is in Colorado, doing a 
fine insurance business. 

Later came H. D. Rand, who began business in Swift Creek 
with a few dollars capital ; to-day his business has grown to be a 
tremendous one. Then arrived M. C. Penny, Henry Bryan, 
J. .J. Bagwell, and others. The town is now looking for gi-eat 
capitalists with lai'ge means and still greater capacity for busi- 



BIOGRAPHICAL 



233 



ness to establish oil mills, cotton mills and other industries, and 
if they don't come soon the present business men will grow up 
to it themselves. 

The drinking water at Garner is good as is to be found any- 
where. Mr. H. D. Eand has noAV an artesian well near his store, 
and it is said that Avhen you once drink of this water you are 
continually thirsting for more. 

The good people of Garner tender a standing invitation to the 
public to come to their town, become residents and invest in town 
lots before all of the best land has been sold. 



BIOGRAPHICAL 



HALLIE DELMO RAND 



To BE prominent in tbe 
industrial, mercantile, in- 
tellectual or social life of a 
community is one thing; to 
be a leader among one's fel- 
low-townsmen, known, rec- 
ognized and esteemed as 
such, is another. It is in 
both these classes of pre- 
eminence that the discrimi- 
nating judgment of the 
good people of Garner as- 
sign a place to HallieDelmo 
Rand, merchant, banker and 
farmer, who, by his own unaided efforts, has demonstrated the 
truth of the oft-heard saying that there is always room at 
the top. 

It was on the 7th of March, 1865, that Hallie D. Rand was 
born, being the first in a family of eleA'en children. His parents 
were William H. and Susan Frances (Banks) Rand. His 




234 GARNER 

father was a successful farmer, who lived on his plantation, 
near the historic Rand's Mill, eleven miles south of Raleigh, in 
Panther Branch Township. His mother was a daughter of 
Adam and Susan Banks. 

The Rand and Banks families are among the oldest in Wake 
County. They have been prominent in the affairs of the county 
and of the city of Raleigh for one hundred and twenty-five 
years. Richard Banks, an ancestor of the subject of this sketch, 
was the first Sheriff of Wake County after the State capital was 
located within its bounds. It is evidence of the vigor and 
vitality of the Rand family that, of the seven children of Wil- 
liam H. Rand, ten are living, only one, the youngest (a boy), 
having died. 

Life on the farm and in the mill was the beginning of the 
making of the man into which Hallie Rand developed. His 
intelligence, industry and capacity for business were traits of 
character manifested early in life, making him a very valuable 
help to his father, especially in view of the fact that he was the 
oldest son of a large family of children. But his parents recog- 
nized that, in order to bring out the best that was in him, it was 
necessary to give him better educational advantages than the 
public schools of the neighborhood afforded ; so they sent him to 
Raleigh Male Academy, famous in those days as a prepara- 
tory and training school, where Messrs. Fray and Morson shaped 
the destiny of so many boys in the capital city. Among others 
of the future leaders of the business and professional life of 
Raleigh with wdiom young Rand came in contact, he recalls with 
■jdeasure Mr. Henry E. Litchford, who is prominent in banking 
circles. Witli such teachers and such classmates he had strong 
incentives to studious habits, Avhich he cultivated assiduously. 
The two years he spent in this school contributed a large share 
to the success in life Mr. Rand has attained. 

In the year 18<S5, at the age of twenty, Hallie ]\:iiid began his 
business career as merchant and farmer (cultivating a one-horse 
farm) at Rand's Mill, where his talents won success for him and 
brought him prosjierity. Ten years later, deciding to enlarge 
his s])hcre of iiclivitie^. lie moved to (Jarner, wliere he could have 



BIOGRAPHICAL 235 

the advantage of railroad facilities and have a part in the mak- 
ing of a growdng towai. His expectations in making this move 
have been fnlly justified. For eighteen years he has been 
actively engaged in the business life of Garner and has been a 
prominent factor in promoting every worthy enterprise looking 
to the expansion of industry or trade, or to the upbuilding of 
the moral, intellectual and religious life of the community. 

It is a maxim with Mr. Kand that if a man will keep sober 
and attend to his own business he will have no time to get into 
mischief. He has exemplified this theory and proved the truth 
of it. With some men one line of business is as much as they 
can attend to, but the activities of such a man as Mr. Rand can- 
not be limited by the rule of one thing at a time. With a big 
farm and a large mercantile business prospering under his per- 
sonal management, Mr. Rand turned his attention to banking. 
He undertook the organization of the Bank of Garner, and suc- 
ceeded, has been president of the bank from the beginning to the 
present, and has made the business succeed. Experience proved 
that one way to insure the success of any enterprise is to connect 
the name of Mr. Rand with it in a responsible capacity. 

While he has had enough of his own business on his hands to 
keep three men busy, Mr. Rand has found time to serve the 
public. When the Legislature created the Board of Road Com- 
missioners of Wake County, Mr. Rand was appointed one of the 
commissioners, serving in that capacity with Prof. W. C Rid- 
diek and Mr. George E. Gill, and continued in that position until 
the act was repealed. He has been an alderman ever since the 
town of Garner was incorporated. The district public school has 
the advantage of his aid and counsel as a member of the school 
committee. 

In politics Mr. Rand is a Democrat. He is a member of the 
Methodist Church and has served four years as steward. In 
fraternal circles he enjoys the distinction of being the first 
named in the list of charter members of the local council of 
Junior Order United American Mechanics. One term he sensed 
as councilor, and he has been active in the order from the day 
the council was organized. 



236 GARNER 

The successful man of affairs is a thinker; the thinking man 
is a reader. Mr. Rand is both of these. He reads his Bible, 
trade and farm publications, the monthly magazines and the 
Ealeigh News and Observer. His opinions in regard to public 
affairs are the result of extensive observation. 

An education such as the public school affords being the birth- 
right of every boy and girl, Mr. Rand believes in a compulsory 
school law for people who will not send their children to school. 
Good roads being a great force in civilization and in making the 
country prosperous, Mr. Rand is in favor of building macadam 
roads, and is an advocate of the movement to employ State 
Prison convicts in road-building by both State and county. 

"As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man, so are children 
of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of 
them." This happiness is the lot of Hallie D. Rand and his re- 
fined and most excellent wife, who Avas Miss Maggie A. Johnson, 
second daughter and fifth child of W. D. and Sarah D. (Utley) 
Johnson, of Wake. Before her marriage Mrs. Rand was promi- 
nent in educational circles of Wilson and Wake counties, and in 
church work in Garner is interested in all its activities. 

Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Rand, of 
"whom six are living, viz. : Emmett G., Cecil Holmes, William, 
Marshall, Linda Margarette, Hubert Hinton. These children 
are attractive and intelligent, and their presence in the house- 
hold contributes much to the delightful home life of the family. 

JOSEPH THOMAS BROUGHTON 

There was a time, as the Inspired Volume informs us, Avhen 
the earth brought forth spontaneously all that Avas needful for 
the comfort and well-being of mankind ; but that was a long time 
ago — so far back in the dim and distant past that for hundreds 
of generations man has been a tiller of the soil. From the time 
that Adam began to subdue the ground and make it bring forth 
things fit for food, instead of thonis and thistles, to the twentieth 
century, no occupation in which the toiling millions have been 
engaged has been more honorable, and, when intelligently and 



BIOGRAPHICAL 



237 




industriously pursued, none lias yielded more favorable or more 
satisfying results than that of plowing, sowing and reaping. 
Thus it has been from ihe days of the earliest patriarchs of the 

human race on the Euphra- 
tes and the Nile, down to 
the twentieth-century fann- 
er on the Neuse, that many ' 
of the princes of the earth 
and a numberless multitude 
of Nature's noblemen have 
lived on the soil and by the 
soil. In this numerous and 
goodly company will the 
future reader of Wake 
County history find the 
name of Joseph Thomas 
Broughton mentioned hon- 
orably. 

For upAvards of a century the Broughtons have been reckoned 
among the best people of this section. In England, in the good 
old days of chivalry, they lived and flourished, and there still 
remains in the mother country a feudal castle bearing the family 
name. It is not a matter of slight account to be able to trace 
one's ancestry back to the noble and the good of centuries long 
past. Indeed, it is a matter in which many Americans take a 
pride that they are able to establish family connection with an 
honored name on the other side of the Atlantic before the Revo- 
lutionary War. While Mr. Broughton is not the kind of man 
to attach more importance to one's antecedents than to what he 
makes of himself under divine providence, he cannot close his 
eyes to the fact that a good name is a valuable asset to one set- 
ting out in life to make a good character, and he would not be 
human if he did ; for, leaving the dead and gone centuries out of 
the question, one should consider Avhat his own good name is 
worth to his children. 

Joseph Thomas Broughton was born and reared near the com- 
munity in which he lives, his birthplace being in the vicinity of 



238 GARNER 

Mt. Moriali Clmi-ch, in St. Mary's Township, the date of his 
birth being May 13, 1845. His parents were Jesse and Susan 
(Bagwell) Broughton. His father was a successful and sub- 
stantial farmer, noted for his piety and his consistent Christian 
life. His mother came of a family that has been prominent in 
Wake County from the earliest times. Mr. Broughton is a 
cousin of Needham B. Broughton, who is at the head of a large 
printing and publishing house in Raleigh, and is a second cousin 
of Dr. Len G. Broughton, who achieved world-wide fame as 
pastor of the Baptist Tabernacle in Atlanta and is now pastor 
of one of the greatest churches in London. It thus appears that 
the present generation of Broughtons is in no way inferior to the 
best of those who wrote their names on the scroll of fame in for- 
mer centuries. 

Born and reared amid rural environments, where it is easy for 
one to hold communion with nature, Joseph T. Broughton never 
felt the lure of city life, or, if he did, he never gave heed to the 
siren song, but throughout a long and actiA'e life he has been a 
son of the soil in every fibre of his being. Schooling facilities 
were poor when he was a boy, but he received such advantages 
as the country afforded ; so, when he came to manhood's estate, 
he possessed a fair share of book knowledge and an uncommon 
amount of hard and solid common sense, which was the principal 
item of capital with which he began the business of life. 

At the age of fifteen Mr. Broughton had buckled down to 
steady work on the farm; for when his father died, in 1859, he 
assumed the care of his step-mother and two sisters. His own 
mother died when he was but one day old. Manfully he stuck 
to the plow and the hoe until the spring of 1863, Avhen he enlisted 
in Company D, Thirty-first I^orth Carolina Eegiment, and 
entered the service of the Confederate States army. His com- 
pany was first sent to James Island, near Charleston, but soon 
afterwards he was at the seat of war around Bichmond. In the 
battle of Drury's Bluff he was wounded in the hand. He was 
also in the battle of Darbytown and in the defense of Petersburg. 

Two years after the war Mr. Broughton settled in Swift Creek 
Township, after obtaining twenty-five acres of land, his share 



BIOGRAPHICAL 239 

from his father's estate. Subsequently he purchased one hun- 
dred and twenty acres of land in Swift Creek. Later he moved 
to William Snelling's place and bought one hundred and sixty- 
eight acres of his land. It is a matter in which Mr. Eroughton 
takes a laudable pride that there never was a mortgage on either 
tract or upon any other land that he has owned. It is also 
worthy of remark that he never had a financial obligation that 
he did not meet the day it became due. This circumstance is 
characteristic of the man in all his dealings and all his business 
relations with others. He remained at the Snelling place fifteen 
years, and in that time he earned a clear profit of a thousand 
dollars for every year he lived on the i^lantation. His next move 
was to a place one mile west of Garner, where, until recently, he 
lived twenty-three years with marked success. He has all the 
land he cares to cultivate, and has given eight hundred acres to 
his six children. He now has two hundred acres under cultiva- 
tion, on which he raises cotton, corn and other crops very 
successfully. 

In the biography of Saul, the first King of Israel, we read 
that "he was higher than any of the people from his shoulders 
and upward." By this description, with a few words added, any- 
one would recognize Joseph T. Broughton in a crowd thronging 
the streets of Raleigh on a busy day. The tall, spare figure of 
Mr. Broughton bears such a striking resemblance to Abraham 
Lincoln that it has often been observed by strangers. Indeed, 
many have thought that his features strongly remind them of the 
great Union Civil War President. 

Mr. Broughton, in November, 1866, married Miss Martha, 
daughter of William M. and Frances (Warren) Snelling. Six 
children of this union are living. They are William H., John 
F., Joseph M., Numa R., Needham L., Mrs. Helen I. Bryan. 
In his serene but still robust and active old age he has the satis- 
faction of seeing all his cliildren settled and comfortably fixed 
in life. 

Some things that appeal to other men have never had any 
attraction for Joseph Broughton. He has never cared for public 
place or office, though he takes a lively interest in politics and 



240 



regularly votes the Democratic ticket. He lias serA^ed as county 
commissioner and justice of the peace and as director of the 
State School for the Blind. He is a man of clear religious con- 
victions, and as a member of the Methodist church he is a strong 
supporter of everything that tends to the uplift and improvement 
of his neighbors and fellow-citizens. He is keenly alive to all 
public concerns of the county, and particularly of his ov^^n com- 
munity, and when he feels like "speaking out in meeting" he 
Avrites clear and vigorous English that the Raleigh papers are 
glad to publish. 

If Mr. Broughton were asked to advise a young man as to the 
cardinal principles of life, he would say : "Be sober, industrious, 
frugal, truthful and honest. By the practice of these virtues you 
will be likely to succeed ; otherAvise you will fail." 

GEORGE BOSTON MONTAGUE 



Ft Avas the good fortvme 
of George Montague to be 
born and reared in the fam- 
ily of a minister of the Gos- 
pel. His father. Rev. John 
^ E. Montague, was a Baptist 
preacher who was promi- 
nent in the denomination 
and whose staying qualities 
are attested by the fact that 
for half a century he served 
Mill Creek and Bethel 
churches, in Person County. 
It is doubtless due, in part 
at least, to heredity and a good example, that George Montague, 
having once established himself in business, has stayed with it 
as though he Avere fastened to the spot. Certain it is that he is 
justly regarded as one of tlie landmarks of Garner, and Avidely 
known for his industry, thrift, professional skill, and high 
integrity. 




BIOGRAPHICAL 241 

It was on the 8tli of September, 1854, that George B. Monta- 
gue was born at Blue Wing, Granville Countv. As before stated, 
his father was Rev. John E. Montague. His mother was Beer- 
sheba, daughter of Thomas Pittard, who was a successful farmer 
and influential citizen. Two years after the birth of George Mon- 
tague his father moved the family to Person County, where he 
was employed in pastoral labors, and there the remainder of his 
long and useful life was spent. He was a native of Granville 
County, and one of the most prominent and influential ministers 
of the Gospel in his section. He was beloved by every one who 
had the good fortune to know him. 

The Montagues are among the oldest and most honored fami- 
lies in central North Carolina. In all the generations since they 
came to this section they have not lacked for men to stand high 
and fill important places in the public eye. George B. Montague, 
an uncle of the subject of this sketch, was for many years a 
prominent physician of Granville County. Dr. Latney Monta- 
gue, another uncle, fought for the Southern Confederacy in the 
War Between the States, and though not killed in battle, but 
died of disease, he yielded his young and promising life for the 
cause that he, in common with many thousands, believed to be 
right, which belief remains to this day a strong conviction with 
the fast-thinning ranks of heroes of the Lost Cause and their 
numerous descendants. 

The preparatory work of George B. Moittague's education was 
begun in Bethel Academy, Person County. Afterward he at- 
tended Wake Forest College two years. Leaving college, he 
obtained a position in a drug store in Durham, where he com- 
bined with the study of pharmacy practical experience in hand- 
ling medicines and compounding prescriptions under the watch- 
ful eye of an experienced and expert pharmacist. When he 
finished the course of study and obtained his diploma and license 
from the State Board he was fully equipped for a business 
career. Soon after receiving his license he opened a drug store 
in Garner, and, like his father before him, he has found it good 
business to stay in one place. 



242 GARNEK 

One with the genial traits of character that belong to George 
B. Montague, possessing his agreeable disposition, his generous 
impulses, his accurate business habits and his unquestioned 
integrity, would succeed anywhere; but it came the way of Mr. 
Montague to win popular favor and achieve success in business 
at Garner, and he has no regrets that he was not lured to a big 
town in the beginning of his professional career. 

Though often solicited by his friends to accept public honors, 
George Montague has been content to discharge his duty to his 
fellow-citizens by serving two years as town commissioner of 
Garner. He is too busy to seek promotion in the arena of 
politics, but he votes the Democratic ticket and is glad when his 
friends are elected to office. 

Like most men who knew nothing of the advantages -of public 
education w^hen they were young, Mr. Montague is in favor of 
bringing the public schools up to the highest state of efficiency. 
Two features of the system which he was glad to see enacted into 
law were six-months terms and compulsory attendance. He is in 
favor of good roads and good farming, and he wants the farmers 
and farmers' boys and girls to have the best there is in every- 
thing. 

Having made a success in business and in private life, Mr. 
Montague is well qualified to counsel the young in regard to 
things that are essential to be practiced by those who would 
enjoy the confidence and esteem of their fellows and make their 
way in the Avorld. Close application to business, attention to 
details, square dealing, thrift and economy are the rules he 
would commend, but above all other rules he would place the 
Golden Rule as the best maxim for intercourse with one's fellows. 

Mr. Montague has been married twice. His first wife was 
Susan, daughter of Joseph T. Broughton, and his second was 
Agnes Olive, daughter of J. D. Johnson (Mayor of Gaimer) and 
his wife, Nellie, who was the daughter of Jack Dupree, of Gar- 
ner. His married life has been blessed by the birth of ten chil- 
dren, of whom the following are living: Dexter Y., Jesse U., 
Lillian M., Kathe E., George V., John E. 



HISTORICAL 243 

Walking in tlie faith of his fathers, Mr. Montag'ue is a staunch 
Baptist and a liberal supporter of the denominational enter- 
prises and benevolences of that church. He is a member of the 
Junior Order United American Mechanics. 



HOLLY SPRINGS 



The flourishing town of Holly Springs, in the southwestern 
part of Wake County, possesses the rare merit of being true to 
name. Doubtless the holly was more numerous when the place 
was named than it is now, but the springs are there — where they 
always have been — a dozen or more of them gushing from the 
heads of ravines in the shade of oaks centuries old. The town 
is near the border lines of Chatham and Harnett counties, is 
fifteen miles from Raleigh, six miles from Apex and six miles 
from Fuquay Springs. It boasts one of the best high schools in 
the State, has a number of flourishing mercantile establishments 
and other industries. The Durham & Southern Railroad runs 
by its doors, furnishing excellent transportation facilities, con- 
necting with the Atlantic Coast Line at Dunn, the Seaboard Air 
Line at Apex, and the Southern Railway and the ^N^orfolk & 
Western at Durham. It is the seat of thrift and enterprise and 
the home of culture and refinement. 

The starting point of the town was the building of a Baptist 
church, nearly one hundred years ago. The site selected was near 
a group of springs, which were called the Holly Springs, from 
which the church and the community derived their name. 
Wootson Clements, who was one of the best business men of his 
day, and was Sheriff of Wake County at one time, gave a plat 
of land to build a church. The deed is said to have been made 
to the church for church purposes, so long as there was a grain 
of sand on the hill, but not to be used as a burial ground. This 
spot is near the crossing of roads leading from Fayetteville to 
Fish Dam, Chapel Hill, Hillsboro, Pittsboro, Raleigh and 



244 HOLLY SPRINGS 

Smitlifield. Near the cln;rcli Richard Jones settled, whose 
dwelling is still to be seen in the town. It was a neighborhood 
of Joneses and Utleys. 

Free Masonry flourished in the country and villages a long 
while ago, as it does to-day. In 1848 a lodge was established at 
Holly Springs and a large building for lodge purposes was 
erected. About the same time Archibald Leslie kppt a store and 
tailoring establishment in the village. At the beginning of the 
War Between the States there were three other stores in the 
place, two of the proprietors being Young Booker and Paschal 
Booker. 

The schools of Holly Springs have always been an important 
element in its life. When they flourished the town prospered, 
and when they retrograded eveiything else went the same way. 
The first school was Holly Springs Academy, which was founded 
in 1854. Among the trustees were Green Beckwith, Enoch 
Booker, James Adams, Bennett Holland, James Rogers and 
Gaston Utley. The board of trustees built a commodious 
academy and equipped it well. They also built a large boarding 
house, which Avas subsequently burned. They employed the best 
teachers of those days. Minton Y. Cliappell was the first princi- 
pal. He was succeeded by Albert H. Dowell. At the outbreak 
of the Civil War, like nearly all of our Southern schools, this 
school went down. 

Between 1865 and 1876 there were small private schools in 
Holly Springs. J. D. Marcom was one of the first who taught 
there after the Civil War. From 1876 to 1883 the school was 
taught under the encouragement of G. B. Alford, Dr. B. S. 
Utley and others. 

After 1883, under a reorganization of the board of trustees. 
Holly Springs Academy was flourishing. The first principal 
elected by this board was Prof. W. A. Whitted (Wake Forest). 
He taught but one year. Miss Sallio Williamson was his assist- 
ant. Succeeding Professor Whitted, Rev. J. M. White (Wake 
Forest) was elected and took charge of the school, spring term, 
1884. Miss Sallie Williamson, and afterwards Mrs. Annie 
Thompson, taught music. In 1888 he Avas succeeded by Capt. 



HISTORICAL 245 

C. F. Siler (Trinity), with Mr. S. W. Miller, assistant; Miss 
Annie ]^f orris, music teacher. The school was later conducted 
by Capt, C. F. Siler, principal ; J. D. Marcom, assistant ; Miss 
Lovie Jones, music teacher. The academy is now a State public 
high school, splendidly equipped and efficiently taught. It ranks 
among the very best schools of its class in North Carolina. 

At the outbreak of the Civil War Capt. Oscar R. Rand raised 
and equipped one of the finest companies of North Carolina 
troops. It formed part of Governor Vance's famous regiment, 
the Twenty-sixth, and made its mark in the bloody conflict be- 
tween the JSTorth and the South. After the war a camp of Con- 
federate Veterans, named after Captain Rand, flourished at 
Holly Springs, especially during the lifetime of Dr. B. S. Utley, 
who made a most efficient adjutant. At one time there was an 
enthusiastic chapter of Daughters of the Confederacy in the vil- 
lage. One of the greatest days Holly Springs has ever witnessed 
was the day that Capt. Oscar R. Rand visited the meeting of the 
camp named in his honor. In its report of the day The News 
and Observer stated that there was a Confederate flag on a tall 
pole, planted in the same old hole that the Confederate flag pole 
stood during the war, when Captain Rand had his headquarters 
here, organizing his famous company. 

Holly Springs was a tithe centre during the Civil War, Maj. 
J. M. Jones being in charge. In April, 1865, Sherman's army 
reached the town and devastated the community. The head- 
quarters of the Fourteenth Army Corps were there for a time, 
General Palmer being quartered in the Leslie residence, which 
is now owned and occupied by G. B. Alford. 

From 1865 to 1875, during which time the Chatham Railroad 
had been built through Apex, Holly Springs was a "deserted vil- 
lage." With few exceptions, the inhabitants had removed to 
more promising localities, and houses were left without occu- 
pants. In 1875, G. B. Alford, then a resident of Middle Creek 
Township, attracted by the healthfulness of the location, bought 
the Leslie property, improved the buildings and moved his pros- 
perous mercantile business to the town that was almost dead, 
being six miles from the nearest railroad point on the north and 



246 HOLLY SPRINGS 

forty miles from any railroad station on the south. From that 
time the town took on new life, the school was reanimated and 
the mercantile business was pushed, with the result that a re- 
markably large business was built up in a few years. 

There was a time when it made no difference whether Holly 
Springs had railroad facilities or not, but with the revival of 
educational and commercial interests that period passed away, 
and the necessity for getting in touch with the outside world 
was apparent to all. 

In 1892 the charter for the Cape Fear k Xorthern Railroad 
was obtained through the State Legislature by Mr. G. B. Alford. 
This road was intended by the promoter to open up the country 
and give sliipping facilities for the town. On account of the 
hard times which folloAved immediately afterwards, the work of 
construction could not be undertaken, and the charter was ex- 
tended from time to time by each succeeding Legislature, by 
Mr. Alford's request, until the year 1898, when Mr. B. JST. Duke 
and other capitalists of Durham were interested, through Mr. 
John C. Angier, and work was begun, the first shovelful of dirt 
being thrown by Miss Mattie V. Alford, at Holly Springs, on 
the 27th day of July, 1898. Mr. G. B. Alford was induced to 
accept the first presidency of the road ; afterwards B. N. Duke 
was elected president, and J. C. Angier manager. The name of 
the road was afterwards changed to the Durham & Southern 
Railroad, under which name it ranks as the best paying road of 
its length in the State — some say, in the South. 

Holly Springs is now enjoying an era of progress and pros- 
peritj^ which is extremely gratifying to its most enthusiastic 
citizens, and its future as one of the best towns in its section is 
assured. 



BIOGRAPHICAL 



247 



BIOGRAPHICAL 



GEORGE BENTON ALFORD 




Prominent in the history 
of Wake County from the 
earliest times, the family of 
Alford has maintained its 
position to the present day. 
Among the many whose 
lives have added lustre to 
the name, none is more 
worthy to be recorded here 
than that of the subject of 
this sketch. 

George Benton Alford was 
born July 24, 1845, two 
miles south of Gary. His 
father was Green Haywood Alford, who was a farmer and a 
miller. His mother was Rebacca Alford, whose maiden name 
was Jones. 

The Alfords came to America a long time before the Revolu- 
tion and settled about the corner of Wake, IsTash and Johnston 
counties, in the vicinity of the present town of Wakefield. 
James Lotwick Alford, also known as Maj. Tanner Alford, 
served under Gen. Nathanael Greene in the Revolution as a Con- 
tinental Army officer, or belonged to the State troops in the war. 
He was supposed to have been one of the earliest settlers in this 
part of the State. He had several brothers who settled in North 
Carolina, one of whom was Warren Alford, great-grandfather of 
the late J. H. Alford, a prominent citizen of Raleigh at the time 
of his death, a few years ago. 

The great-grandfather of George B. Alford on his mother's 
side was Etheldred Jones, who was elected ensign in Captain 
Hinton's company, and was afterwards knoAvn as Captain Jones. 
He served under General Greene and fought in the battles of 



248^ HOLLY SPRINGS 

Cowpens and Guilford Court-Hoiise. His sword has been placed 
in the museum of war relics at Guilford Battle Ground. Ethel- 
dred Jones had a brother, Jesse. Both came from Virginia 
before the Revolution and settled in that part of Wake County 
now embraced in Middle Creek ToAvnship, at the place once 
known as the Barney Jones precinct, being the place where 
Gales Johnson now resides. The mother of Mr. Johnson Avas a 
granddaughter of Etheldred Jones. The Jesse Jones place is 
that which is known as the Andrew Betts old homestead, in Wake 
County, near the line of Harnett, in the vicinity of Harnett 
Chapel Church. Etheldred Jones owned most of the land now 
included in Middle Creek Township, and a large part of Holly 
Springs, Swift Creek and Buckhorn townships. 

The great-grandmother of George B. Alford was a Lane, an 
aunt of Gen. Joseph Lane, who came to Raleigh in 1860 when 
a candidate for Vice-President on the ticket with John C. Breck- 
inridge. Mr. Alford remembers the visit of his distinguished 
relative distinctly, on account of an incident with a fatal termi- 
nation, viz. : His uncle, Alvin Jones, who had recently recovered 
from typhoid fever, went to Raleigh to see his cousin, Joseph 
Lane. The trip resulted in a relapse, followed by death in a 
few days. 

James Lotwick Alford had several sons, all of whom, except 
Green Alford, left this part of the country. Green Alford once 
lived at Morrisville before the North Carolina Railroad was 
built. He died and was buried at the place which belonged to 
him, now known as the old High house, near Cary. James Lot- 
wick Alford was buried near Wakefield, which place derived its 
name from one of his plantations, called the Wake field. 

Delaney High, who lived near Wakefield, Avas a great aunt of 
George B. Alford. She was the mother of Green High, who was 
enrolling officer in the Confederate service during the War Be- 
tween llie States. She left a large number of descendants in 
Wake County, numbering among them several distinguished 
people. 

Green Haywood Alford Avas a man iiiuch in the public eye. 
He had a l)ent for politics and Avas often called to the service of 



BIOGRAPHICAL ^^49 

his fellow-citizens. He was one of the justices in Judge 
Badger's County Court. He served two terms in the House of 
Representatives of the State Legislature. After the Civil War 
he was a candidate with Judge A. S. Merrinion as delegate to 
the State Convention. The sons of Green Alford, brothers of 
George B. Alford, have made their mark in the world. A. J. 
Alford, who lives in Jacksonville, Fla., served one or two terms 
in the Senate of that State. C. A. Alford, who was an extensive 
operator in lumber, died five years ago, after accumulating a 
fortune of a million dollars. He lived at Willingham, Ga. He 
also served in the Senate of his State. W. L. H. Alford, who 
resides at Sylvester, Ga., has served two terms in the Legislature 
of his State. 

The educational advantages of George B. Alford were cut 
short by the War Between the States. He attended the acadamy 
at Alford's School-House and other subscription schools, but 
when the war came on he had to give up his books and go to 
work. His business career was begun in Middle Creek Town- 
ship. He began as a turpentine operator, then turned his atten- 
tion to merchandise and farming. Later he returned to the tur- 
pentine business, and finally found the occupation that suited 
him in the lumber industry. In this line of business he has 
achieved marked success and has become a citizen of the highest 
standing and of commanding position. 

The subject of this sketch is not a politician, but he is keenly 
alive to the welfare of the public and has his views about politi- 
cal matters. He was born a Democrat, but, in 1896, believing 
that the Democratic party, in its advocacy of free silver, had 
departed from its first principles, he assumed an independent 
attitude, voting according to his judgment and supporting the 
candidates of his choice. Mr. Alford is proud of the record he 
made in canvassing the Fourth District for Congress on the 
sound-money platform in 1896. Although the votes were against 
him, he saw the views for which he contended vindicated by the 
course of events very soon afterward. 

He has been a justice of the peace, and was a county commis- 
sioner two years, serving with Chairman William R. Pool, S. J. 



250 HOLLY SPRINGS 

Allen, E. E. Gill and Amos Adams. He declined to accept a 
second term. 

By virtue of his service in tlie Confederate army, George B. 
Alford has been honored by his comrades by election to the 
position of Commander of the Camp of United Confederate 
Veterans, No. 1278, at Holly Springs. The military service of 
Mr. Alford began in the fall of 1864, when he joined the R. H. 
Tucker cavalry company. He was with his company in Baker's 
regiment, Barnes' brigade, at Petersburg and Dinwiddie Court- 
House. He was in important raids to Stony Creek and to Bell- 
field. Being taken ill with typhoid fever, he was sent to the 
military hospital at Raleigh, under the care of Dr. Tracy. Upon 
his recovery he was ordered back to his regiment, near Peters- 
burg, the day the battle of Averasboro was fought. Before he 
could get to the front Richmond fell, and the war was over. At 
the surrender, as at his enlistment, he was a private. 

As a reader of books Mr. Alford has shown fine discrimina- 
tion. He has found delight in the study of the Bible, history, 
and in religious books written by well-balanced authors. While 
holding membership in the Methodist Church at Holly Springs, 
Mr. Alford classes himself as a Protestant. All creeds, he 
declares, contain some error mixed with truth. He holds that 
the Protestants are those who maintain the faith and the princi- 
ples upon which the American Government was founded. 

Referring to matters that should claim the attention of all 
good citizens, Mr. Alford says that, first of all, we should realize 
that the foundation on which our liberty, prosperity and happi- 
ness are based are the Bible and the plan of salvation as set 
forth in the i^ew Testament of our Lord and Saviour. Without 
such a foundation we cannot hope to perpetuate the great re- 
public. Our policy should be to clarify politics first. Evidently 
the tendency is toward a dei)arture from the foundation princi- 
ples of the government laid down by our forefathers. Our gov- 
ernment, says Mr. Alford, is based upon the individuality of its 
citizens. Eacli locality should govern through its representa- 
tives in local affairs without coercion from the outside. In this 
vieAv of ])oliliciil affairs, Stale ]>rohibitioii is Avrong in principle. 



BIOGRAPHICAL 251 

Besides, it is not temperance and is not founded on God's trulli. 
We need better roads and more money for our schools, which we 
had in the county before the prohibition law went into effect. 
Mr. Alford believes the State prohibition law should be repealed ; 
that the county should issue bonds for building modern high- 
ways, and not keep on wasting the taxes, as is the prevailing- 
practice. 

For the benefit of young men starting in life, Mr. Alford 
Avould say that there is no better time to strike out for one's self 
than now. Economy is the first lesson to be learned. If a 
young man will choose an honorable vocation and stick to it with 
persistent patience, he will command success. A steady, slow 
and sure advance on the road to fortune is more to be desired 
than a mushroom growth, however fascinating the latter may be. 
Reading good books is helpful to the young man in business. 
In all his reading, the Bible should be first. 

Mr. Alford is an occasional contributor to the newspapers, 
having written for The A^ews and Observer, The Gold Cham- 
pion, The Evening Times and some others. He has been too 
busy with other matters to attempt any ambitious task in 
writing. 

The interest of Mr. Alford in local educational affairs appears 
from the fact that he is chairman of the Holly Springs Public 
High School Committee. Besides, he is president of the Holly 
Springs Land & Improvement Company and president of the 
G. B. Alford Company (Incorporated). 

Mr. Alford has been married twice. His first wife was Char- 
lotte Ann, daughter of Johnson and Martha Olive. His second 
wife, who is now living, was Mrs. Texanna O. Collins, widow of 
"Walter Collins. Mr. Alford has two children — a daughter. Mat- 
tie v., who is married to Mr. R. J. Utley, and a son. Green 
Haywood Alford. 



252 MORRISVILLE 

MORRISVILLE 



About tlie year 1853, when the survey was being made in the 
vicinity of Morrisville for the construction of the I^orth Caro- 
lina Railroad (now a division of the Southern Railway), Mr. 
Jerry Morris generously donated to the company the right-of- 
way over his land, on condition that a railroad station be located 
at this point. The station was therefore named in his honor. 
From this period there gradually grew up here a community of 
thrifty and intelligent inhabitants, many of whom have been 
among the most prominent citizens of the county. A pioneer 
settler was Williamson Page, one of the wealthiest citizens and 
most prosperous planters of his time. He was the father of the 
late ex-Sheriif M. W. Page. 

Morrisville is situated twelve miles west of Raleigh, in one of 
the best agricultural sections of the county. Although it is a 
modest little community of only two hundred and twenty-five 
inhabitants, the town has several dry-goods and grocery stores, 
one drug store, planing-mills, sawmills and a hosiery mill, all 
of them doing a thriving business. The moral and religious tone 
of the town is evidenced by two churches, the Baptist and the 
Christian, both of which have large memberships. The town 
was incorporated iji 1875. The present mayor is Mr. E. W. 
Clements. 

At the call to arms in 1861 the citizenship of Morrisville was 
ready for the conflict, and a company of volunteers was soon 
enrolled, with Malcus W. Page as captain. The company was 
known as Company I, Sixth N'orth Carolina Regiment. In the 
Pirst Battle of Manassas, July 21, 1861, in which this company 
was engaged, the first to fall were Joe Morris and Joe Aiisloy ; 
the wounded were J. II. Moring and Ilarman Sears. 

Of the earlier merchants who will be pleasantly remembered 
by the older inhabitants, but all of whom are now deceased, were 
S. F. Page, W. M. Jackson, W. II. Morris, T. C. Sears, W. H. 
Merritt, M. "W. Page. 

Among the prominent citizens and merchants at this time 
are Messrs. William L. Page, son of the late M. W. Page ; S. R. 



HISTORICAL 253 

Horne, C. F. Ferrell, J. H. Moring, Kev. G. W. Clements, E. W. 
Clements, J. L. Clements, W. H. H. Proctor, James L. Pugh, 
Dr. E. Kiggsbee, W. B. Johnson »t Co., C. F. Maynard, E. B. 
Edwards and H. C. Marconi. 

One of the earl}' physicians was Dr. Alison. Following him, 
at different periods, were Drs. R. M. Patterson, N. D. York, 
W. T. Ilerndon, A. T. Cotton, W. H. Boone. The present physi- 
cian is Dr. E. A. Riggsbee. 

The oldest inhabitant of Morrisville is Mr. J. L. Pugh, who 
has reached the ripe age of eighty-four. 



WAKE FOREST 



The town of Wake Forest and the college from which its 
name was derived had their origin about the same time; they 
have grown up together, shared each other's prosperity and 
adversity ; and now they have come into their own together — one 
a flourishing town, a center of mercantile and manufacturing 
industry, a home of culture and refinement ; the other a seat of 
learning, holding a place of pre-eminence in the great Baptist 
denomination and ranking with the very best educational insti- 
tutions in this good commonwealth. 

Less than one hundred years ago the State University was the 
only institution of higher learning in North Carolina. During 
the first quarter of the nineteenth century there came into North 
Carolina several well-trained young Baptist ministers, among 
whom were Samuel Wait, Thomas Meredith and John Arm- 
strong. They found the Baptists of the State numerous, but 
without organization or educated leadership. Under the influ- 
ence of these men was organized in 1830 the Baptist State Con- 
vention, one of whose chief purposes was the preparation of 
young men "called to the ministry." There was no school under 
Baptist control to which such young men could be sent. There 
were in the State, however, schools taught by Baptists. These 
young men Avere sent to them, and their expenses were borne 



254 WAKE FOREST 

l^artl}' by the Convention. The need of a Baptist school was 
urgent. At the second annual session of the Convention, in 1832, 
a committee was appointed to plan such a school. 

This committee purchased the farm of Dr. Calvin Jones, 
seventeen miles north of Raleigh. It contained 615 acres and 
cost the sum of $2,500. Manual-labor schools were popular at 
that time. The Baptists of Virginia, South Carolina and 
Georgia were adopting the system. The Convention committee 
thought that the system would suit the needs of N^orth Carolina, 
and upon their application the Legislature of 1833 grudgingly 
granted a meagre charter for a manual-labor and classical school, 
under the name of ''Wake Forest Institute." Samuel Wait was 
chosen principal. In February, 1834, the school was opened 
with sixteen students. The first year the principal was the only 
teacher. For several years the farm buildings did duty for 
school purposes. In 1838 the manual featui'e was abolished 
and the Institute was re-chartered as Wake Forest College. 

From this small beginning Wake Forest College has grown 
into a great institution of learning, Avith a numerous faculty, 
large, handsome and well-equipped buildings, and a student 
body numbering between four and five hundred. The total 
endowment of the college at the last annual report of the trus- 
tees, December, 1912, was $455,069.30. The college property, 
exclusive of endo\Aauent, is valued at $188,925. 

The town has grown up around the college and has extended 
its limits far beyond the boundaries of the Calvin Jones farm. 
The deed to the farm, dated August 28, 1832, conveyed the 
land to John Purefoy, William R. Hinton, Simon G. Jeffreys, 
Jr., and James G. Hall, as trustees. From the recollections of 
some of the oldest citizens, it appears that the original grounds 
of the college extended to the north as far as the residence of 
Mr. W. C. Powell, and to the east almost to the former home of 
Mr. AV. O. Allen. Its southern boundary reached as far as the 
present residence of Mr. John G. Dunn, and its western limit 
was Richland Creek. An additional piece of ground mentioned 
in the deed lies to the west of the creek and is now owned by 
Mr. W. C. Brewer. 



HISTORICAL 255 

In 1837 permission was given the Raleigli & Gaston Railroad 
to cross the institute grounds and build a station. The road Avas 
built, but not till 1873 was Wake Forest recognized as of more 
importance than a flag station, the nearest passenger and freight 
station being at Forestville, a mile distant. 

In 1838 a committee was appointed to consider the expediency 
of laying off a town at the Institute. The next year the trustees 
ado^Dted the following resolution: 

"That a portion of the land at Wake Forest Institute be sold, 
in suitable lots for family residences and other necessary pur- 
poses, on condition that no gambling house, that no house or 
shop where spirits shall be kept for sale, or that no other nui- 
sance shall be put on them, and that a good building be erected 
thereon and inhabited within two years from date of sale." 

An auction sale of lots took place on the 4th of February, 
1839. This date is reckoned as the birthday of the town. It 
may be of interest to note that sixteen acres of this land, con- 
stituting the present business portion of the town, was bought 
from Dr. Brooks by Dr. W. B. Royall, and afterwards, by the 
desire of the trustees and at great personal sacrifice, were resold 
to the college at the rate of twenty-five dollars an acre. 

The subsequent history of Wake Forest is a story of commer- 
cial and industrial activity, of building, enlarging and expand- 
ing, until the town, leaving the college out of consideration, has 
become one of the most important in Wake County, excepting 
the capital city. Its present is most solid and substantial, and 
its future is full of promise. Its progress and prosperity are 
well assured. 

Note. — For the data for the foregoing sketch of Wake Forest the 
author is deeply indehted to Prof. B. F. Sledd. professor of English 
in Wake Forest College. 



256 



"WAKE FOREST 



BIOGRAPHICAL 



HENRY GRAHAM HOLDING 

County Auditor 




The subject of this sketch 
is a native of Wake County, 
born at Wake Forest, Octo- 
ber 6, 1859. He is the son 
of Willis Holding, a pros- 
perous farmer, and Nannie 
(Pace) Holding. His 
mother is a daughter of 
Solomon Pace, a brother of 
the late W. H. Pace, who, 
in his day, ranked with the 
leading lawyers of the State. 
The preparatory educa- 
tion of Mr. Holding was ob- 
tained in the noted school of Mrs. A. V. Purefoy, in his home 
town, after Avhich he matriculated at Wake Forest College, 
graduating with honors in 1882. 

Commencing his business career in the coal business in Ten- 
nessee with his uncle, the late W. H. Pace, after being so en- 
gaged for a number of years, in 1892 he returned to his native 
State and to Wake Forest to engage in his future life work as a 
tiller of the soil, to which he has since been devoted and in which 
he is still (>ngaged. 

Continuing actively on liis farm until 1906, Mr. Holding was 
then elected Superintendent of County Roads and filled this 
position for three years with much credit to himself and to all 
interested. Indeed, so creditably were his duties performed that; 
M'hen tlie office of County Auditor was created by the General 
Assembly in 1911 he was chosen to fill this most responsible 
position, which he still holds, having been elected by the people 
the following year. 



BIOGRAPHICAL 257 

JSrot only does his special aptitude for this office, and his 
superior executive ability, eminently fit Mr. Holding for this 
position, but the wisdom he exercises in the choice of his efficient 
corps of assistants furnishes a sufficient reason for believing that 
the discriminating voters of Wake will continue him in office for 
an indefinite time. 

Besides the question of good roads, Mr. Holding considers that 
of public education the principal thing that should engage the 
mind of the public, for it is upon this that the intellectual, moral 
and material welfare of the State depends. 

In 1894 Mr. Holding was happily married to Miss Elma T., 
daughter of Henry and Letitia Davis. Of this union there have 
been born three interesting children — Graham Davis, Clem Bol- 
ton and Ethel Catharine. 

Politically, Mr. Holding is a Democrat. Religiously, though 
a member of no church, he affiliates with the Baptist. 

In all the relations of life and to every trust Henry Graham 
Holding has been true ; as a friend he is faithful and sincere, and 
in every respect he is a representative citizen, of which the 
county of Wake should feel justly proud. 

Mr. Holding would impress upon young men these truths : 
That the road to success lies in strict integrity, industry, ad- 
herence to the Golden Rule, and in the performance with cheer- 
fulness of whatsoever tasks that may be allotted. 



WAKEFIELD 



This historic town is in Little River Township, near the ISTor- 
folk Southern Railroad, thirty-two miles east of Raleigh, and 
situated in one of the best tobacco-growing sections of the State. 
Its population is about two hundred. 

Next to Raleigh, Wakefield is the oldest town in the county 
of Wake, dating its birth more than sixty years ago, before any 
railroad, except the Raleigh & Gaston, had made its appearance 
anywhere in the State. 
17 



258 WENDELL • 

In the vicinity of wliere Wakefield is situate, and several years 
prior to its origin, A. G. Foster conducted a general store. Ho 
was a prominent citizen and man of affairs of his time, conduct- 
ing, besides his store, a successful saw- and grist-mill on Little 
River, Mr. Foster was the father of Fenton G. Foster, the pio- 
neer inventor of the typesetting machine. 

Wakefield is so called from the fact that this was the name 
given to the first post office in this vicinity, and, during stage- 
coach times, was known as the "half-way relay house" on the 
stage route between Raleigh and Rocky Mount. 

Among the original and substantial inhabitants of Wakefield 
and its vicinity were D. G. Horton, Booker Griffin, the Burnses 
and Chamblees, a number of whose descendants now rank with 
the county's prominent citizens. Of these should be mentioned 
Dr. G. M. Bell, a wealthy and one of the most progressive physi- 
cians of the county ; W. H. Chamblee, Jr., member of the Board 
of County Commissioners and ])ublic demonstrator of agricul- 
ture ; John A. Kemp, merchant ; Dr. M. C. Chamblee, physician, 
merchant and member of the County Board of Education ; W. S. 
Horton, planter ; T. L. Honeycutt, merchant ; and D. D. Massey, 
a man of affairs and widely and favorably known throughout 
the county. 



WENDELL 



Prior to 1885 the location now occupied by the flourishing 
town of Wendell was simply "the country." Xo indication of 
a town was to be seen, and no one dreamed of such a thing at 
that place. The following people, mostly farmers, lived in the 
locality about that time : J. R. Xowell, Ambrose Rhodes, McLen- 
don Tucker, C. Z. Todd, W. H. Richardson, Atlas Nowell and a 
fcAV Others. 

The first indication of a village at this point was the establish- 
ment of a scliool which should be a sort of academic institution, 
including the public schools of that district. Some building was 
done to provide better school accommodation, through the influ- 



HISTORICAL 



259 




260 WENDELL 

ence of J. R. Xowell, C. Z. Todd, McLendon Tucker aiul others. 
The school was placed in charge of M. A. Griffin, who is now a 
prominent resident of Wenclell. Soon after the establishment of 
the school a few families located there, and one or two small 
stores were erected. About the year 1892 a post office was estab- 
lished at the store of J. R. No well and named Wendell, which 
name was suggested by M. A. Griffin, who was the first post- 
master. Thus the present town of "Wendell Avas born and 
launched on its career, the ultimate success of which is yet fo 
bo seen. 

After this somewhat unpropitious beginning of what we now 
call the town of Wendell, it grew slowly for a few years "without 
much reputation, either good or bad. But at last a railroad (the 
Norfolk Southern) was projected through that part of the coun- 
try, and, fortunately for Wendell, was induced to locate a depot 
immediately at that point, and from that hour the life, success 
and perpetuity of the town of Wendell was assured. Soon such 
far-sighted men as R. B. Whitley, -E. Y. Richardson, M. A. 
Griffin, B. D. Honeycutt and others began to locate in the infant 
town, purchase land, lay off streets and build residences and 
business houses. The old school structure was enlarged, giving 
way to the largest and finest graded-school building in the State, 
outside of Raleigh. The Christian people also soon began to 
devise ways and means for public worship, which resulted in the 
organization of a Baptist and a Methodist churcli, with good 
church buildings. Since then two or three other denominations 
have organized and hope to have churcli edifices soon. 

The corporation of Wendell contains one square mile. Streets 
are being extended every year and put in good condition as fast 
as needed. New residences are going up rapidly in different 
parts of the town, and yet the demand for homes is continually 
on the increase. Large and prominent brick business houses are 
now superseding the wooden structures, and soon the broad and 
smooth business streets will begin to assume a beautiful and city- 
like appearance. The hum of three large lumber mills enlivens 
the town, these jihinls shi])ping daily thousands of feet of nicely 



HISTORICAL 2() 1 

dressed lumber, besides giving eiaploynient to biiudreds of 
operatives. 

Wendell can boast also a large cotton mill, running on full 
time and giving employment to scores of industrious and con- 
tented people. Also there are tvi^o sales houses for tobacco now 
in full blast. And it is a fact, it seems, that Wendell is destined 
to have the greatest if not the only tobacco market between 
Raleigh and Wilson. Two real good hotels have been erected iri 
the town (though one of them is now in ashes) for the accom- 
modation of the public. The one still open is the Hotel Morris, 
conducted by Mrs. W. E. Morris, and is in every respect all that 
could be desired. 

Besides all these things, the town has a newspaper, llie 
Clarion; a bank, three physicians, a lawyer, a dentist, an opti- 
cian ; also a market, repair shops of various kinds, a baseball 
park, and a well-kept cemetery. 

Wendell is in the midst of a splendid farming country, which 
is being improved every year. The people living on these farms 
are generally of the best type of original North Carolinians — a 
whole-souled, generous, industrious and Christian people. 

A town so well situated as is Wendell, and wliich, within the 
space of six years, has grown from a mere cross-roads locality 
to a community of eleven hundred inhabitants, must within a 
few decades become a city of much importance. 

The slogan of this thriving town is : "Watch WoRKI^"G Wen- 
dell Win." 

Note. — For the foregoing historic sketch of Wendell the 
editor is indebted and hereby returns thanks to the venerable and 
much-beloved Rev. W. C. Nowell, of Wendell. He is now seventy- 
five years of age and has been preaching the Gospel for more 
than fifty years. 



262 



WENDELL 



BIOGRAPHICAL 



MALLIE ASA GRIFFIN 




^Vt the forefront among 
those active in the commer- 
cial and industrial life of 
Wendell is the subject of 
this sketch, whose devotion 
to the welfare of his com- 
munity is attested by the 
fact that he is president of 
the Wendell Industrial k 
Development Club. 

Born at Stanhope, in 
Xash County, where his an- 
cestors for several genera- 
tions had lived, M. A. Grif- 
fin grew up among the man-making influences of rural life. He 
was the son of Pressly and Margaret (Sullivan) Griffin. After 
laying the groundwork of his education in the public schools of 
the neighborhood, he attended Wakefield High School, where 
his scholarship was so promising that he was encouraged to take 
a college course, which he did at the University of Nashville, 
Tenn., from which institution he graduated with honor in 1891. 
with the degree of L. J . 

The first occupation to claim the attention of Mr. Griffin after 
graduating was that of teaching, in which he engaged with 
marked success for eight years, Wendell and Spring Hope being 
the communities favored with his valued services to the rising 
generation. After nearly a decade of school-room work, he 
turned his attention toward a different career, engaging in the 
tobacco warehouse business, first at Spring Hope and afterwards 
at Dunn. Later, for two years, he Avas general agent of a life 
insurance company at Raleigh. 

It was M'liilc he was jirosecuting the insurance business with 



BIOGRAPHICAL 263 

great success in the capital city that Mr. Griffin heard the call 
to the new and rapidly growing town of Wendell, and he decided 
to cast in his lot there, having already learned from previous 
residence that the possibilities of its future were almost un- 
bounded. Two lines of enterprise were especially inviting ro 
him, viz., real estate and lumber, and he decided to engage in 
both. His success in these branches of industry has fully justi- 
fied him in becoming a citizen of the new towa and future city. 

Mr. Griffin is a vigorous thinker in regard to matters that 
concern the public welfare, much of which he justly attributes 
to his discriminating habit of reading the best newspapers and 
magazines published in North Carolina and other parts of tlie 
Union. His value to the communities in which he has lived is 
evidenced by the calls his fellow-citizens have made upon his 
services. For five years he was a justice of the peace in j^ash 
County; for two years he was Mayor of Spring Hope; and at 
the present time, as well as for several years past, he is an 
alderman of Wendell. 

In the General Assembly, at its session of 1913, Mr. Griffin 
was one of Wake's Representatives in the lower house, and in- 
augurated and promoted much valuable legislation, both of a 
local and State-w^ide character. He was a member of the fol- 
lowing committees, in the conferences of which he rendered 
efficient service : Education, Agriculture, Counties, Cities and 
Towns, Institutions for the Blind, Regulation of Public Service 
Corporations, and M^as chairman of the Committee on Public 
Roads and Turnpikes. 

The views and opinions of Mr. Griffin are much sought after 
in his community. Being asked for a suggestion as to how the 
best interests of Wake County may be promoted, he said : ''If 
the people of Wake County will become more interested in the 
improvement of their road system and their public schools, and 
see to it that permanent roads are built — at least one in each 
township — with the present road taxes, the people will have 
before them an object-lesson that will teach them the absolute 
necessity of having good roads all over the county; then they 
will be almost a unit for a bond issue of at least a million dollars, 



264 



WENDELL 



which is needed to build the necessary roads leading to Raleigh 
and the dozen progressive young towns in the county. Each 
school district in Wake should be a special-tax district and 
should have a commodious and attractive building, having a 
school term of at least six months. If we would have a highly 
enlightened and progressive citizenship in Wake County, then 
we must open wide the school-house doors in every district for 
at least half the year." 

A matter in which Mr. Griffin takes a worthy pride is the fact 
that he named Wendell. It is said that he knows as much about 
the town as any other citizen, and possibly a little more. Doubt- 
ful it is if any other man in the place is doing more for its up- 
building than he. 

Mr. Griffin, in politics, writes the name of his party Demo- 
cratic, with a big D. He is a prominent secret and fraternal 
society man, holding membership in the Knights of Pythias, 
Odd Fellows, Junior Order United American Mechanics, and the 
Farmers' Educational and Co-operative Union of America. 

The charms of domestic life led Mr. Griffin into the matri- 
monial state in his young manhood. He married Miss Sallie J. 
Richardson, daughter of Josiah A. and Tempie A. Richardson. 
To this union nine children were born, the following of whom 
are living: Pauline IT., Erdine M., Christine A., Irene M., 
J. Harold and William H. He is raising them up to believe that 
they will live to see Wendell one of the livest, most progressive 
and most prosperous cities in North Carolina. 

WILLIAM TILDEN ROBERTS 

The type of versatile man who tries his hand at many things 
and makes a success of all is illustrated by the career of William 
Tilden Roberts, of Wendell. The last day of the centennial 
year (1876) of .Vnierican independence there came into the 
home of Edward and Frances (Forsyth) Roberts, of Granville 
County, a boy who was destined to make his mark in the indus- 
trial life of a rising and rapidly growing young town of Wake. 
Wlicn lie was old enough to foi-m an accjuaiiitaiicc with the three 



BIOGRAPHICAL 



265 




E's, William was sent to the neighborhood free school, which 
was taught in a log house. As there was a large family to he 

supported, the boy did not 
have much of a chance to 
acquire an education, but, 
as has been said, he learned 
enough to make his mark, 
which is something worth 
while. 

When William was twenty- 
one years old he took charge 
of the farm of A. J. Veaz- 
zey, in Granville, and culti- 
vated it three years. He 
then rented land and raised 
tobacco with such success 
that in a short time he was 
able to buy a farm. Two years later he sold it to advantage and 
engaged in the lumber business with John L. Roberts at Creed- 
moor and Stem. Next he was in the same business at old Eagle 
Rock. Three years ago, seeing that Wendell was destined to 
become an important industrial and trade centre, he decided to 
make that place his home. Having acquired large land and tim- 
ber interests, he devoted his energies to improving the property. 
Later he sold his interest to his brother. 

Mr. Roberts then bought a planing mill at Wendell, and is 
the owner of a flourishing -cotton-gin. He has built up a large 
business, supplying dressed lumber for the local and I^orthern 
markets. He bought a lot in town and built a handsome dwell- 
ing house, at a cost of $4,000. Also he is the owner of a farm 
on which he raises splendid crops, consisting principally of corn, 
cotton and tobacco. At the time this sketch was written he was 
preparing to erect a garage, as he was also engaged in the busi- 
ness of selling automobiles. 

Evidencing his interest in the welfare of his community, Mr. 
Roberts became _a charter member of the Wendell Industrial and 
Development Club, while his interest in his fellow-man is fur- 



266 



ZEBULON 



ther attested by liis membership in the Junior Order United 
American Mechanics. He is a member of the Methodist church 
and is a liberal supporter of all its undertakings. In politics he 
is a Democrat. He stands firm for public morality, as shown by 
his support of prohibition. 

The good wife of Mr. Eoberts was Miss Magg ISTeva Goss, 
daughter of Elijah and Eliza Goss. Their family consists of 
Viola, Myrtle, Sadie and William Elmo, all bright and attractive 
childi'en. 

As might be expected, Mr. Roberts is a public-spirited man. 
He is in favor of extending and enlarging the facilities for pub- 
lic education, and he believes in improving the roads. His ad- 
vice to young men is to be industrious and honorable, and always 
to observe the Golden Rule. 



ZEBULON 



ISToT more than five years ago the place where the thriving and 
industrious town of Zebulon is now located was a stretch of 
forest, and, for all practical purposes, of little notice. In all this 
region there was simply an expanse of woods, containing only 
one farm house to break tlie monotony of vision for the rambler 
who chanced to pass this way. 

But, as is always the case, commercial life seeks to build itself 
along the path of the railroad; so, Avith the coming of the Nor- 
folk Southern Railroad the town of Zebulon sprang into exist- 
ence with magical rapidity. This expanse of undeveloped terri- 
tory quickly yielded to the touch of the business hand, and the 
scene changed to one of progress and live industry. This was 
found to be the logical point for a railway station, since it is the 
centre of a large surrounding territory, rich in soil, containing 
agricultural possibilities capable of vast development. Here, 
also, was found a timber region excelled possibly by no other part 
of the State. Hence the lumber industry is now one of the chief 
enterprises, giving its share to the town's prosperity. 



HISTORICAL 267 

The location furnislied the town its best advertising. In a 
very short time Zebulon was recognized as an important com- 
mercial centre for this broad scope of territory situated midway 
between Ealeigh and Wilson. Men of thrift, energy and means 
were soon interested in the business projects of the new town. 
Mills, factories, stores and a bank were all erected and doing 
business scarcely before the people realized what they had done. 
New highways were soon opened and the old ones improved 
through the surrounding territory — all leading to Zebulon. The 
people began to look upon the town as a reality and recognize it 
as a centre of business and population. 

Among the industries to be noticed and those wdiich have done 
much to establish the town on a permanent basis, the Zebulon 
Hosiery Mill should attract attention. This concern is under the 
management of Mr. T. J. Horton and is considered one of the 
best-equipped small hosiery mills in the South. Recently it has 
added a number of machines and increased its output about fifty 
per cent. This establishment employs more than one hundred 
hands, has a pay-roll which means something to the town, and 
sends its products throughout the country. 

The Zebulon Cotton Oil Mill is also a factor to be considered 
in the life of Zebulon. This concern, under the management of 
Superintendent R. R. Creech, has recently doubled its capacity. 
Nothing else need be said to show that this business is working 
on a sound basis and at the same time making progress. The 
mill gives Zebulon an enviable trade in cotton seed, and has 
much to do with making it a rapidly growing cotton market. 

The lumber interests have already been mentioned as having 
much to do in making the history of the town. Since the tim- 
bered lands make up such a large portion of the natural re- 
sources of this region, one can hardly think of Zebulon without 
associating the name with the lumber output. The planing mills 
ship from this point anywhere from fifty to sixty carloads of 
dressed lumber per week. 

The mercantile establishments are worthy of notice in a sketch 
of this kind. The merchants are intelligent, progressive business 
men, seeking to make .their stores keep pace with the rapid 



268 ZEBULON 

growth of the town, the well-stocked establishments, attractive 
show-windows, and busy clerks indicating that Zebulon is a cen- 
tre of trade and that people come here to do business. Possibly 
no new toAvn in the country has had a more rapid growth, com- 
mercially, than Zebulon. 

The Bank of Zebulon is proof of an enterprising people. Four 
years ago this institution was only an experiment ; now it is a 
big business, with a capital of $25,000, while the deposits exceed 
one hundred thousand dollars. Much of the bank's prosperity is 
due to the wise management of the directors and the cashier, 
Mr. F. C. Bunn. 

Notwithstanding the material growth of Zebulon, which has 
been marvelous, its people have not been lacking in those things 
which make for their spiritual and intellectual w^elfare. Two 
handsome churches, representing the Methodist and Baptist 
denominations, have been erected, and a school building adorns 
this community that would do credit to any town in the State. 
Wakelon High School is the result of united effort on the part 
of the citizens of Wakefield and Zebulon. The building is situ- 
ated midway between the two towns and serves the needs of the 
public for miles around. The school has a faculty of ten teach- 
ers and an enrollment of more than four hundred pujiils. This 
institution has the hearty support of the citizens. It is doing a 
work second to no institution of its kind in the State. The very 
efficient ])rincipal of the school is Prof. E. H. Moser. 

The town of Zebulon is beautifully ])lotted. The streets are 
broad, meeting each other at right angles, all of them running 
parallel to each other, thus giving the town a convenient and 
artistic arrangement. One of the most noticeable features, how- 
ever, is the neat appearance of the town — the streets are kept 
clean and show constantly signs of improvement. 

The residential sections are a credit to the community. Around 
many of the homes trees have been ])lanted, walks laid off, and 
lawns cultivated. The people take a pride in beautifying their 
dwelling places and cultivating their a^stiietic tastes. 

The moral tone of Zebulon is in keeping with its other com- 
nninitv interests. The ])eople stand for developing their best 



HISTOUK'AI, 



269 




270 



ZEBULON 



side of life. They are not divided, but work together for the 
betterment of the entire citizenship. The progressive spirit of 
Zebulon conveys marked signs of advancement in the right 
direction. 



BIOGRAPHICAL 



THOMAS JACKSON HORTON 

Born on the spot where 
the present town and future 
city of Zebulon stands, 
Thomas Jackson Horton 
went out at an early age to 
see some of the world and 
learn some lessons in the 
school of experience, and 
then came back to his native 
heath to achieA'e success as 
a manufacturer, banker and 
man of business. 

On the 4th of December, 
1878, when Thomas J. Hor- 
ton was born, and for nearly 
thirty years afterwards, the 
present site of Zebulon was 
a farm, owned by John W. Horton, father of the subject of this 
sketch. The mother of Thomas was Martha (Strickland) Hor- 
ton. The early history of Wake County shows that the Horton 
family was prominent when the country was in the making. 
John W. Horton was one of the best men in his community and 
was highly esteemed for his upright and godly manner of life. 
When the Norfolk Southern was surveyed through the eastern 
part of Wake County, Mrs. Horton sold part of the farm to the 
railroad. Ou this ground the station was located and the town 
was laid out. 




BIOGRAPHICAL 271 

The opportunities of Thomas Horton to obtain an education 
were meagre. When he was ten years old his father died, leav- 
ing nine children, of whom he was the sixth. Thenceforth the 
farm had a paramount claim upon his time; so it fell out that 
a few weeks in school each year for three years was the sum 
total of his study of the three R's. 

When Thomas was twelve years old his mother moved to Dur- 
ham, where the children were put to work. His first employ- 
ment was in the Duke cigarette factory, at fifty cents a day. 
After working four years at that job, he obtained a situation as 
operator of a press in the smoking tobacco factory of E. J. Par- 
rish, where he remained two years. The next two years he 
worked in the Durham Hosiery Mill, where he got the cue to his 
future career. Then, at the age of twenty, he was engaged as 
superintendent of the Daisy Hosiery Mills, at Burlington. A 
year later he was in Durham again, engaged in the bicycle busi- 
ness, which he conducted successfully on one hundred dollars 
capital, borroAved money. This continued five years, and then 
the lure of his birthplace and the vision of a coming city on his 
father's farm impelled him to close out his business and move to 
Zebulon, where he has now been living six years, and where he 
is so well satisfied that he intends to stay as long as he lives. 

The first undertaking of Thomas Horton in Zebulon was the 
organization of a company to manufacture hosiery. The result 
of his efforts was the Zebulon Hosiery Mills, of which he was 
made president and general manager. This mill is in successful 
operation, and the company is doing a flourishing business, 
which is continually increasing. The present capacity is six 
hundred pairs of hose daily. The mill is equipped with a finish- 
ing plant, in which the goods are prepared for the retail trade, 
with which they are very popular in all parts of the country, and 
are justly regarded as the equal in quality of any on the market. 

The Bank of Zebulon had its inception in the mind of Thomas 
J. Horton, and its successful management is in large measure due 
to his wise and able direction. The bank was organized in 1908 
with $5,000 paid-in capital, which two years later was doubled. 
At the present time the deposits are in excess of one hundred 



272 ZEBUI.ON 

thousand dollars. Mr. Horton has been president of the bank 
from the first. In its brief career the Bank of Zebulon has out- 
grown one place of business and is now located in a building 
specially constructed and equipped according to the most ap- 
proved modern methods. 

In 1902 Mr. Horton united his fortune and his destiny with 
those of Miss Alice Wade Giddins, daughter of J. T. and Fran- 
ces Giddins. Their union has been blessed by three children, 
AA'ho are Helen, Bessie F., and James G. 

The religious, moral and educational interests of Zebulon have 
an earnest supporter in Thomas J. Horton. He was active in 
the organization of the Methodist Church in the town, when 
eight members were all that could be mustered. The church now 
has a membership of more than a hundred. He is a steward in 
the church and is active in every department of his denomina- 
tional work. He holds the opinion that religion and industry 
mutually stimulate and promote each other, his ideas being in 
harmony with those entertained by Solomon in his day. Mr. 
Horton is in favor of the best the State and the community can 
give the rising generation in the way of educational facilities, 
and is enthusiastic for public improvements, such as the building 
of modern roads. He is a member of the Junior Order United 
American Mechanics and of the Benevolent and Protective Order 
of Elks. 

EARLY HAMPTON MOSER 

Choosino to cast his lot in a community long celebrated for 
its intelligence and culture, Early Hampton Moser has devoted 
his best endeavors to the building up of a high school of superior 
standing, and it is but a just tribute to say that remarkable suc- 
cess has attended his efforts. 

The subject of this sketch was horn in Surry County, Novem- 
ber 6, 1880, being the son of Basil Elijah and TlK'ruso])he (Hou- 
ser) Moser. His ancestors came from Germany in the colonial 
period and fought for American liberty in the Revolutionary 
War. They settled near Salem, and their descendants have 
spread out over Xorth Carolina and other States. The Mosors 



BIOGRAPHICAL 



273 




are thrifty, industrious people, who have home an honorable 
part in the affairs of the community in which they live. Basil 

Moser is a farmer and luni- 
bsrman. Two of his broth- 
ers served in the Confeder- 
ate army, as did also the 
father of Mrs. Moser. 

The educational advan- 
tages of Early Moser were 
excellent. After pursuing 
with diligence his studies in 
Siloam Academy and Bell- 
view Academy, he entered 
Western Maryland College, 
where he gi*aduated in 1910 
Avith the degree of A.B. 
While in college he was 
president of the Webster Literary Society and editor of The 
College Annual. 

Before going to college Mr. Moser had valuable experience 
as a teacher. His first work in the line of his profession was at 
Dover, Craven County, where he had part in securing a fine 
brick building for the school. After graduation he accepted the 
principalship of the Wakelon High School, an institution of 
superior grade, situated midway between Wakefield and Zebu- 
Ion — hence the name. 

The advancement of Mr. Moser has been steady and rapid. 
He began as instructor in a one-teacher school ; next he was 
principal of a two-teacher school ; then he became principal of 
a four-teacher high school. N'ow he is at the head of a high 
school with ten teachers and four hundred pupils. Referring to 
his work in connection with the closing exercises in May, 1912, 
The Zehulon News said : ''In every feature of the school work 
during the year the improvement has been marked. No high 
school is better equipped with an abler faculty than is Wakelon, 
with Prof. E. H. Moser and his strong corps of assistants. Pro- 
fessor Moser is not only a man of deep thought and brilliant 
18 



274 



ZEBULON 



intellect, but a man who is a thorough student of human nature, 
and understands the care and control of children." 

When Mr. Moser left Dover, Mr. Q. V. Richardson, chairman 
of the school committee, writing to the Kinston Free Press, said : 
"Our people, both old and young, regretted very much to see 
him leave. He has been principal of the Dover High School 
two years, and during this time he has thoroughly entrenched 
himself in the hearts of our people. We have never seen a more 
model young man. His presence is a benediction to any indi-: 
vidual or community. We all love him, because he is worthy to 
be loved." 

Mr. Moser owes much of his success to his practice of diligent 
and discriminating reading. His favorite subjects are ethics, 
psychology and biography, including, of course, books relating 
to the profession of teaching. He is a man of high ideals, which 
appears in his life rather than in any standards by which he 
claims to live. 

Mr. Moser is a wide-awake citizen, in favor of everything that 
promises to make the living conditions of the people better. He 
is actively identified with the Zebulon Industrial Club. He is a 
member of the Methodist Protestant Church. In politics he is 
a Republican. 

JESSE FRANKLIN COLTRANE, D.D. S. 

Born at Old Trinity, in Randolph County, June 3, 1882, 
Jesse Franklin Coltrane traces his descent back to John Col- 
trane, who came to America from Scotland about the year 1760 
and obtained from Governor Tryon the grant of a large tract 
of land, which has remained in the possession of the family to 
the present day. 

Dr. Coltraine is the son of Rev. N. E. Coltrane, a prominent 
minister of the North Carolina Conference, M. E. Church, 
South. His mother was Ida May, daughter of Prof. W. T. 
Gannaway, who was a noted instructor and professor of Latin 
in Trinity College for thirty-five years, and was acting president 
of the college two years. 



BIOGRAPHICAL 



275 




Dr. Coltrane was prepared for college at Eoxboro Institute. 
In 1899 he matriculated in Trinity College, at Durham, from 

which institution he was 
graduated in 1903 vnth the 
degree of Bachelor of Arts 
and the distinction of cmn 
laude. For the next few 
years the subject of this 
sketch was Professor Col- 
trane, for after his gradua- 
tion he devoted his talents 
to the instruction of youth. 
The first scene of his activi- 
ties was at Lydia, S. C, as 
principal of Epworth High 
School. Following this en- 
gagement he was called to 
the principalship of the city schools of Fayetteville, N. C, where 
he remained until 1906, when he determined to engage in a pro- 
fessional career, having chosen dentistry as his life Avork. In 
the fall of that year he entered the Medical College of Virginia, 
and while engaged in his dental studies taught in the Richmond 
Academy. In 1909 he received his degree of D. D. S., and soon 
thereafter, passing a successful examination before the State 
Dental Board, he entered upon the practice of dentistry at 
Zebulon, opening an office and operating rooms in August of the 
same year. 

Dr. Coltrane has risen rapidly in his profession and has been 
rewarded by an appreciative public with a fine practice, which 
has been built up by uniting high professional skill with con- 
scientious work, a combination that will win success anywhere 
and everywhere. 

Naturally, one would expect Dr. Coltrane to be a diligent 
reader, which he is, and, more than that, he is a discriminating 
reader of the best books and current literature relating to his 
profession. In. his opinion, success in any sphere of life is due 
to determination of purpose, continued effort in one direction. 



276 



ZEBULON 



honesty and straightforwardness in all dealings, with morality 
and temperance. 

Coming of distinguished Methodist ancestry on both paternal 
and maternal sides, it would be strange if Dr. Coltrane were not 
a Methodist himself. Also, one would naturally expect him to 
be a Democrat, which he is. As becomes a good citizen of his 
community, he is a member of the Zebulon Industrial Club. 

Dr. Coltrane feels a deep interest in rural affairs. He strongly 
favors intensive farming, and believes that the future prosperity 
of agriculture in this part of the country consists in an intelli- 
gent application of this principle of tilling the soil. He believes 
in improving the public roads ; also in making the State prohibi- 
tion laws effective by a vigorous putting-down of the illicit trade 
in alcoholic liquors and the prompt punishment of all violators 
of the law. 

FALCONER ELMO BUNN 

The exception that proves the rule that 
a prophet is without honor in the place 
where he was born and reared is found in 
the successful career of Falc. Elmo Bunn, 
at Zebulon, one of the newest and livest 
places on the map of Wake County. Mr. 
Bunn was born in Wakefield, which is 
only one mile from the scene of his pres- 
ent activities in business life. He is the 
son of C. D. and Bettie (Young) Bunn, 
and was born March 16, 1880. 
Strongly contrasted Avith its young and vigorous neighbor, 
Wakefield is one of the oldest villages in the county, noted for 
the intelligence, refinement and hospitality of its citizens. Here 
the subject of this sketch passed through the stages of childhood 
and youth, and came to early manhood. Here he laid the 
foundation of his education in llic public school and the excel- 
lent high school of the town. 

In planning for his manhood's estate he decided to engage in 
business pursuits, and, recognizing that the one sure road to sue- 




BIOGRAPHICAL 277 

cess was through training in a commercial school, he was soon 
enrolled as a student in King's Business College, in Raleigh, 
where he pursued his studies with such diligence, and applied 
himself to his tasks so assiduously, that when he graduated, in 
1903, he entered immediately into business relations with the 
Creedmoor Supply Company, at Creedmoor, N". C, occupying 
the position of bookkeeper for one year. Subsequently he ac- 
cepted a similar position with the Watkins Hardware Company, 
at Henderson, 'N. C. After remaining with this firm for two 
years he accepted the position of assistant cashier of the Bank 
of Youngsville, N^. C, continuing there from October, 1906, to 
July, 1907. 

In all of these positions Mr. Bunn more than fulfilled the 
expectations of his employers, who were not slow in learning that 
he was entirely competent to discharge the duties he had as- 
sumed, but, what was more to his credit, that he had the rare 
faculty of studying their interests instead of perfunctorily per- 
forming his prescribed duties and drawing his wages. Others, 
too, discovered this virtue, for it is so rare as to attract notice 
wherever found; so it is not surprising that he was offered the 
responsible position of cashier of the Bank of Zebulon, which 
he accepted. 

The success Mr. Bunn has attained as bank cashier, as well as 
in the other positions he has occupied, indicates what can be 
accomplished by industry and integrity, seasoned by a laudable 
ambition to rise to the top. His example is worthy of the 
emulation of young men of limited opportunities; for where 
there is a will there is a way, and the way marked out by Mr. 
Bunn's career is thorough preparation for a life work and then 
going in to do one's best. 

In politics Mr. Bunn is a staunch Democrat, of the Wilson 
type. Religiously, he is prominently identified with the Baptist 
denomination, and active in Baraca class work of the Sunday 
school of his church. 



278 



ZEBULON 



WILLIAM LARKIN WIGGS 
General Supervisor Public Roads 




In the continuous strug- 
gle of organized society to 
advance its material wel- 
fare, no factor is to be con- 
sidered more important as 
contributing to this end 
than the work performed 
by the tiller of the soil. 
Whatever, therefore, is ad- 
vantageous to him should 
command society's high con- 
sideration. In this connec- 
tion is the subject of good 
public highways, for in pro- 
portion to their iniproveiuent, or lack of it, are the interests of 
the farmer affected and likewise those of the public. 

The foregoing observation applies with peculiar force to Wil- 
liam L. AViggs, one of Wake County's prominent citizens and 
successful farmers, who, by his indefatigable industry, executive 
ability and sterling integrity, has elevated himself from the 
position of a small farm tenant to the responsible oihce of Gen- 
eral Supervisor of Public Roads of Wake, the functions of which 
he performs with superior ability. 

Mr. Wiggs is a native of Wake, born near Raleigh, April 26, 
1872, but has been a resident of Little River Township since a 
child. He is the son of Eppie P. and Pattie (Smith) Wiggs. 
His education was obtained in the public schools of Wakefield. 

Mr. Wiggs Avas a pioneer settler of Zebulon, as indicated by 
the fact that he erected the third building in the town. In the 
development of Zebulon he has been a leading spirit and potent 
factor. 

Mr. Wiggs began his business career as a small farm tenant. 
While thus engaged, the industrious and ambitious young 



BIOGRAPHICAL 279 

farmer, besides striving to excel in his yield of farm products, 
became a diligent student of the best methods of improving his 
material welfare. His efforts proved fruitful, too, for within 
the short space of three years he is found to be the owner of a 
seven-horse farm, which he still cultivates with that intelligence 
and industry so becoming a progressive agriculturist of the 
twentieth century. His farming methods compare favorably 
with the best in Wake County. For some time he was success- 
fully engaged in the tobacco business in Zebulon, and before 
retiring from this industry the sales of his warehouse amounted 
to a million pounds annually. 

On the subject of good public highways Mr. Wiggs is an 
enthusiast, and it was w^hile he was engaged in the tobacco busi- 
ness at Zebulon that he became thoroughly aroused to the im- 
portance of road improvement. This feeling, united with a 
popular recognition of his superior ability to fill the position, 
prompted him to become a candidate for the office of General 
Supervisor of Public Eoads. In his appointment to this im- 
portant office it is evident the County Commissioners made 
no mistake, for in the discharge of every duty he has been 
prompt ; to every trust he has proven faithful in all respects, 
and his work has yielded the ripest fruit and met with the 
approval of all concerned. 

Concerning matters affecting the public Avelfare, Mr. Wiggs 
is becomingly interested, and whatever aid a good citizen should 
lend in furtherance of the common good, he is always ready with 
a helping hand to bestow. 

Politically, Mr. Wiggs is a staunch Jeffersonian Democrat 
and a most zealous Avorker for the cause of Wake democracy. 
Por a number of years he was the efficient chairman of the 
Democratic Executive Committee of Little River Township. 
Religiously, he is identified with the Baptist Church. Frater- 
nally, he is affiliated with the J. O. U. A. M. 

On December 25, 1894, Mr. Wiggs was happily united in 
marriage to Miss Delaney Whitley, daughter of Micus and 
Frances T. Whitley, of Wake. To this union there have been 
born five children, viz., Chellie, Willa, Eppie, Fannie Lou, 
Michael Whitley. 



280 



ZEBULOX 



ELBERT CLIFTON DANIEL 




Famed far and wide for 
the intelligence and culture 
of its old plantation citizen- 
ship is tiie good county of 
Granville, a name liiglily 
honored in the annals of 
N'orth Carolina from the 
earliest colonial times to 
this hour. Thousands of 
the best people in the world 
have been born on her soil, 
lived within her borders and 
found their last resting 
place in her bosom, Avhile 
many have gone forth to make other States, counties and cities 
better by living in tlieni and devoting the talents and the energies 
they possessed to the uplift of those among whom they cast their 
lot. In the generous giving of Granville to other communities 
the young and vigorous city of Zebulon has been donated some 
valuable citizens, among them the subject of this sketch. 

Elbert Clifton Daniel was bora near Oxford, September 15, 
1885. His parents were William and Esther (Sizemore) Daniel. 
His paternal grandfather and great-grandfather were bora in 
England, both coming to America when the former was a boy 
and settling in Granville County, where they soon assimilated 
with the native population and became successful growers of 
tobacco. William Daniel is still living and cultivating the 
"golden weed," for Avhich Granville is famous. The Sizemores 
are among the best people of Person and are prominent tobacco 
growers. 

Both grandfathers of Elbert Daniel served in the War Be- 
tween the States, his paternal grandfather going through the 
war from beginning to end, and his maternal grandfather being 
killed under the Stars and Bars, when his daughter, the mother 
of Elbert, was but nine weeks old. 



BIOGRAPHICAL 281 

Elbert Daniel enjoyed the privilege of going to a country log- 
house school three months every year from the time he was six 
years old until he was seventeen. He then attended the high 
school at Wakefield, where he pursued his studies with diligence. 

At nineteen Elbert Daniel was employed as salesman in a 
grocery store at Wakefield, receiving as his first compensation 
the princely salary of ten dollars a month. When he was twenty- 
one he decided that it would be better to go into business for 
himself; so he borrowed sufficient money to make a start, formed 
a partnership with Dr. Z. M. Caviness, now of Raleigh, and 
opened a drug store in Wakefield. Two years later, his good 
business judgment discerning that Zebulon would become the 
principal town of that section, he moved the business to the new 
town, Dr. Caviness retaining an interest in the store four years 
longer. 

xlfter he had been in the drug business some time Mr. Daniel 
studied pharmacy, receiving his diplomas in 1911. The business 
at Zebulon has been very successful and has fully justified the 
wisdom of getting in on the ground floor. Mr. Daniel is now 
manager of the Zebulon Drug Company, a corporation that was 
formed to take over the business and enlarge its operations. 

Mr. Daniel is a judicious reader of good literature, but he 
gives first place to publications relating to his profession, that 
he may keep up with the best thought and advance movements 
in pharmacy. He is enthusiastic on the subject of tobacco- 
growing, and he maintains that farmers ought to devote their 
best efforts to the producing of a high grade of the staple. He 
strongly urges the improvement of rural schools, having in view 
the health of the pupils as well as their intellectual and moral 
welfare. 

The activities of Mr. Daniel are not confined to the four walls 
of his store. He is an active member of the Baptist Church and 
is interested in Sunday-school work, and is a member of the 
Junior Order United American Mechanics and of the Modern 
Woodmen of America. 

On the 12th "of December, 1911, Mr. Daniel was united in 
matrimony to Miss Elvah, daughter of Elijah and Fannie 



282 



ZEBULON 



(Washington) Jones, of Granville County. Mrs. Daniel, like 
her husband, was reared on a farm, her father being a promi- 
nent and prosperous tiller of the soil. The household of this 
happy young couple has been blessed and brightened by the 
advent of a fine boy, whom the proud parents have named Elbert 
Clifton, Jr. 

As business life runs, the career of Elbert Clifton Daniel has 
apparently just begun. To one who has achieved the success 
that, is already his, the future is full of promise. His example 
should be an inspiration to other young men. The factors that 
have contributed to his rise in business and in the esteem of his 
fellow-men have been diligence in the discharge of duty, faith- 
fulness to every trust, loyalty to friends, sobriety, frugality and 
economy. These virtues are worth while. Should he hesitate to 
recommend them to aspiring young men, his life would speak 
louder than words. 

JOHN MIKE WHITLEY 



When the enterprising 
town of Zebulon comes to 
count up her earliest inhab- 
itants she will write the 
name of John Mike Whitley 
near the head of the list. 
But this is not Mr. Whit- 
ley's only claim to distinc- 
tion or prominence, for he 
has been active and enter- 
])rising in promoting every 
material interest of the 
town and has done duty as 
a seiwant of the people in 

more than one important position, winning and holding the 

esteem of his admiring fellow-citizens. 

The Whitley family is "native here and to the manner born." 

The family history of the subject of this sketch shows that his 




BIOGKAPHICAL 283 

ancestors have inhabited the locality "where he dwells as long as 
there has been a Wake County, and perhaps longer. On this 
score, if upon no other, we would rank John Mike Whitley 
among the native nobility. 

It was on the 2d of October, 1865, that Mr. Whitley first saw 
the light, on the farm of his father, Mike Whitley, in Little 
River Township, his mother being Frances T. (Chamblee) Whit- 
ley. The father fought four years under Robert E. Lee and lost 
a leg at Appomattox. He died not long after the war, when 
John Mike, still very young, was under the necessity of taking 
charge of the farm and helping to provide for his brothers and 
sisters until they were grown. Necessarily his opportunities for 
going to school were limited, seven months in the school-room, 
all told, being the extent of his early education ; but in the school 
of experience, which he has been attending years and years, he 
has acquired a great deal of valuable knowledge, much of which 
he has had the good fortune of turning to account. He is a suc- 
cessful business man, of high standing in the community, being 
the proprietor of a hotel at which the wayfaring man delights 
to stop and tarry; a livery stable, w^here one can hire the best 
horse that ever looked through a collar, and a vehicle to match. 
Besides these affairs, he has other business interests claiming 
big attention. 

Mr. Whitley is a man of intelligence, acquired by the habit of 
reading the daily papers diligently, and through the faculty of 
profiting by his contact with the many people whom he meets in 
his hotel and busy town. He believes in the Jefferson and Old 
Hickory brand of democracy, and is very active in behalf of the 
Democratic party. His fellow-townsmen, recognizing his fine 
executive and judicial talents, made him mayor once, and the 
people of the township have demanded and secured his services 
eleven successive years as a justice of the peace. 

Mr. Whitley is a thinker along broad and liberal lines. In 
local politics and municipal affairs he is a progressive, though 
he would not wish to be classed with the party that has attempted 
to secure a copyright on the name. In the best sense of the 
word, he is progressive, and if there is any measure or move- 



284 ZEBULON 

ment that will make the condition of the people better, in all 
respects, then he is a. leader; and that is the secret of his popu- 
larity in his community. 

When John Mike Whitley had reached the age of twenty- 
seven he was living in single blessedness ; but, being the proud 
owner of forty acres of fine land, he felt the need of a helpmeet ; 
so a-courting he went, down in the county of Johnston, which is 
not far from Zebulon ; and this enterprise he prosecuted so suc- 
cessfully that by and by he brought to his Wake County home 
the blonde lassie, Susan Chamblee, who consented to become the 
partner of his joys and sorrows. The parents of Mrs. Whitley 
are Augustus and Mary (Brantley) Chamblee. Mrs. Whitley 
is a lady of refinement and a most charming hostess, and it is 
in large measure on account of the homelike air which her pres- 
ence imparts that the hotel at Zebulon is so popular. 

Mr. and Mrs. Whitley have a very interesting family, their 
children being Sudie, Irma, Mary O., Lila C, Foy Aileen and 
Mike Ernestine. 

As a member of the Baptist Church, Mr. Whitley is identified 
with the religious life of the community. He is a strong sup- 
porter of his denomination and a liberal contributor to the 
various lines of endeavor which its activities represent. He 
believes (and practices what he preaches) that industry, fru- 
gality, economy and keeping everlastingly at it will bring suc- 
cess; and if any young man just starting on a life career should 
ask his advice he would get something to that effect. And why 
shouldn't he? It was through the practice of these virtues that 
Mr. Whitley attained the measure of success that he deser\'es 
and enjoys. 

RANSOM RIGHT CREECH 

Many of the best people of Wake County hark back to Johns- 
ton when their minds revert to childhood's scenes. Of all the 
innumerable company who have moved across the border to the 
metropolitan county of Wake, not one, perhaps, Avould admit for 
a moment that the county of his adoption is better than the 
county of his birth, but would say that he came among us and 



BIOGRAPHICAL 



285 




cast in his lot with us because here he found a door of oppor- 
tunity open. Among those who have entered the open door and 

have found a place and 
made a home among us is 
Ransom Right Cre«ch, man- 
ager of Zebulon Cotton Oil 
Company. 

About the close of the 
war between the sections of 
the Union (to be exact, 
March 11, 1865) there was 
born on a farm in Johnston 
a boy, to whom was given 
the name of Ransom. His 
parents were William H. 
and Mary (Raper) Creech. 
He was the youngest of a 
family of ten children. His father was a successful and pros- 
perous farmer, and was in every way a splendid citizen, being 
descended from a stock that has been prominent and honored in 
Johnston County for several generations, and a relative of the 
late A. Creech, who was for many years a prominent merchant 
of Raleigh. The Rapers are among the most prominent people 
of Wilson Comity. Robert Raper, a brother of Mrs. Creech, was 
a man of affairs in his day in Wilson County. The Creech 
family traces its ancestry back to the hills of bonnie Scotland. 

Ransom Creech grew up in the country and became accus- 
tomed to honest toil and learned the arts of husbandry. His 
opportunities for obtaining an education were the same as most 
sons of fanners. He attended the public schools and helped on 
the farm until he Avas tAventy years old. Possibly he might have 
chosen a different occupation had circumstances been otherwise, 
but his brothers and sisters marrying and leaving the paternal 
roof made it necessary for him to stay at home. So he remained 
and became a farmer and achieved success as a tiller of the soil. 
When Ransom Avas twenty years old, his mother having died 
and the home ties being severed, he thought it not good for a 



286 ZEBULON 

young man to live alone ; so he found a wife and went to farming 
on his own account. Taking charge of the part that fell to him 
of his father's plantation, he began operations, which were suc- 
cessful from the first. His land was fertile, and he was endowed 
with intelligence and abundant energy; so it is not surprising 
that none surpassed him in the production of cotton, corn and 
tobacco. 

For twenty-three years Ransom Creech farmed and prospered, 
and then came an opportunity — his opportunity — to engage in 
industrial pursuits, and he seized it. Moving to Zebulon in 1908, 
he took charge as manager of the Zebulon Cotton Oil Company, 
a manufacturing enterprise that employs twenty-five people and 
works up thirty tons of seed in twenty-four hours, and has con- 
ducted the business with remarkable success. 

Mr. Creech is thoroughly identified with the industrial life of 
the community. As a member of the Zebulon Industrial Club he 
is in touch with the throbbing impulses of the noAV and growing 
town, and is in thorough sympathy with every movement to 
build up the city that is to be. He has great faith in Zebulon 
and believes it is to become a place of large industrial and com- 
mercial importance. In church relations he is a Baptist, and in 
politics a Democrat. He is eternally opposed to the legalized 
sale of alcoholic liquors, and is a strong advocate of the rigid 
enforcement of the prohibition laws. 

Too busy to be a reader of books, Mr. Creech reads the news- 
papers and keeps well informed in regard to current events. 
Having been successful in life, he believes that success will come 
to all who are honest, frugal and industrious and who live up to 
the Golden Rule. He believes that the first rule for success in 
farming is to raise home supplies. He wants every boy and girl 
to have a chance in life, and he believes the schools should 
impart such knowledge as will be of value in practical affairs. 

April 22, 1885, Ransom Creech was united in marriage to 
Miss Henrietta, daughter of Henry and Bettie Sullivan, of 
Johnston County. This union was blessed by seven children, 
now living, who are Sudie (Mrs. Julius Williams), Sophronia 
(Mrs. Thomas Jordan), Maudie (Mrs. R. E. Barham), Iscar 



BIOGRAPHICAL 287 

(Mrs. W. H. Strickland), Oscar, who is principal of jSTashville 
Graded Schools ; Daphne, and Arnold. Mrs. Creech having died 
in 1900, on Christmas day, 1901, Mr. Creech married. Miss 
Maggie, daughter of James and Mahala Montgomery, of Johns- 
ton County. Their children are Ruby and James Ransom. 



FUQUAY SPRINGS 



In the southern part of Wake County, not far from the Har- 
nett line, in the midst of a fine timber and farming region, is 
situate the progressive and thriving town of Fuquay Springs. 
Ever since water bubbled from the earth anywhere on the 
American continent the springs were right where they are now, 
but the town waited for Mr. John A. Mills, the pioneer in the 
development of southern Wake, to build the railroad that is 
known all along the line by bis name. 

When the Mills road, now a part of the great N^orfolk South- 
ern system, was opened to traffic, one of the first things that 
people in reach of the place heard of was the medicinal value of 
the water of Fuquay Springs. That, of course, attracted vis- 
itors, and hotels became a necessity; therefore houses of enter- 
tainment were built for the accommodation of health and pleas- 
ure seekers. A railroad station was located conveniently near, 
l^ext, stores were built and stocked, and people went there to 
trade. Then it was found that the soil of the surrounding coun- 
try was peculiarly adapted to the production of bright-leaf 
tobacco. That necessitated warehouses, prizehouses, flue facto- 
ries and hogshead factories. More mercantile houses followed, 
and then it was necessary to have a bank, and this was supplied 
by the energetic and enterprising citizens. And still things keep 
coming, and the town keeps growing, and the people keep thriv- 
ing, and visitors come to the springs in ever-increasing numbers. 

Briefly, Fuquay Springs was incorporated as a town in 1909. 
It is situate twenty-one mile south of Raleigh, at the junction of 
the Raleigh, Charlotte & Southern, the Durham & Southern, and 



288 FUQUAY SPRINGS 

the Raleigli (t Soutliport railroads. Its present population is 
four hundred, of whom seven-eighths are white people. It has 
several tobacco warehouses and leaf-storage houses, numerous 
stores dealing in general merchandise, with a number specializ- 
ing in millinery, drugs, hardware, etc. It has factories making 
flues for curing tobacco and hogsheads in which to pack it. 
Every dollar of stock in its bank is worth $1.75. Its schools are 
well attended and they rank among the best in the county. Its 
hotels are well managed and popular. The spiritual needs of the 
communit}' are ministered to in Methodist, Baptist and Chris- 
tian churches. The Presbyterians have regular services, but 
have not as yet bjiilt a house of worship. 

Aside from its waters, Fuquay Springs is indebted for its 
growth and prosperity to the leaf tobacco industry. Its three 
Avarehouses sell a million and a half pounds annually, and the 
business is grooving year by year. The warehouses are con- 
ducted, respectively, by Messrs. Lee & Adcock, W. H. Aiken & 
Sons, and Morgan, Motley & Falls. The corporate limits of the 
town now embrace Varina, which is the railroad junction point. 

Wliile towns are built bj^ people, springs are constructed by 
N^ature and are discovered, usually, by somebody stumbling on 
them, so to speak. That is the Avay it happened in regard to 
Fuquay Springs. One hundred and fifty years ago, Stephen 
Fuqua}', the proprietor of a large plantation, while plowing his 
cotton and corn, used to slake his thirst at a spring Avhich he 
found while tracing a trickling rivulet to its source. He became 
convinced that the water possessed valuable mineral properties, 
and so informed his family and neighbors, in consequence of 
Avhich the spring obtained some local celebrity ; but fame awaited 
the coming of the railroad, and now the spring is known far and 
wide, and the water is very popular. Every year its virtues are 
tested and proven by an increasing number of visitors. 

Prominent among the business men and leading citizens of 
Fuquay Springs are Messrs. J. D. Ballentine, J. K. Sessoms, 
n. Sossoms, W. L. Johnson, A. N. Johnson, W. L. Adams, J. A. 
Griffis, Dr. C. E. Cheek, Dr. E. Clarence Judd, Dr. J. M. Judd, 
A. G. Blanchnrd, W. A. Jones and others. 



HISTORICAL RALEIGH 289 

A FAREWELL WORD 



Witli the completion of the foregoing sketches the author 
reviews the result of his labors with mingled feelings of satisfac- 
tion and regret — satisfaction, for the reason that the self-imposed 
task has been finished ; regret, because the work has fallen below 
a high ideal. To adequately represent our capital city and met- 
ropolitan county would require an abler pen and a more preten- 
tious volume ; yet, to the writer, the making of this book has been 
largely a labor of love, for the finished product, with reference 
to its Raleigh feature, is in some measure his tribute of devotion 
to the place that has been his home from childhood to mature 
years. 

It is hoped that the considerate reader, coming to the last page, 
will forget any imperfections he may have discerned in the work, 
and allow for a moment his thoughts to dwell kindly on the 
author's efforts to produce a volume creditable to a worthy 
subject. 




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